THOSE WHO HAVE KNOWN GOD AND TURNED AWAY WILL BE JUDGED By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”
(Hebrews 10:26-27, ESV)
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Introduction
God, in His infinite mercy and righteousness, calls His people to follow Him faithfully. However, when individuals who have known the truth and experienced the light of His salvation turn away, they invite judgment and destruction upon themselves. The Word of God makes it clear that rebellion against Him after knowing His truth is a grave offense. This teaching explores the consequences of forsaking the path of righteousness, the dangers of idolatry, and the unrelenting justice of God upon those who turn away from Him.
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God's Wrath Against Backsliders
The Lord is just and holy, and His fury is kindled against those who turn away after knowing Him. The Scripture warns that those who backslide and choose rebellion over obedience shall face divine judgment.
“But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered.”
(Ezekiel 18:24, NIV)
God's jealousy and justice demand accountability from those who abandon their commitment to Him. Their rebellion is a grave insult to His mercy and faithfulness.
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Idolatry: The Path to Destruction
When individuals abandon God, they inevitably turn to idols and false gods. This spiritual adultery brings severe consequences, for God does not tolerate divided loyalty.
“They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”
(Deuteronomy 32:21, ESV)
The love for worldly pleasures, pride, and rebellion replaces their devotion to God, leading them to a path of destruction.
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God's Judgment is Just
When the mercy of God is spurned, His justice must prevail. God’s judgment is not arbitrary but a response to humanity’s willful rejection of His truth.
“The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.”
(Nahum 1:3, NIV)
The Lord has extended His hand of compassion countless times, yet many choose to mock and reject Him. Such actions warrant divine retribution, and their suffering will be the result of their own choices.
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God Will Cleanse the Land
God will not allow rebellion and wickedness to persist indefinitely. His wrath will bring purification and restoration to the land by removing the unrepentant.
“I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.
(Zephaniah 1:2, NIV)
This cleansing serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty and His intolerance of sin and idolatry.
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Summary
God’s call to righteousness is clear, and His patience immense. Yet, those who have experienced His truth and turned away will face His judgment. The path of rebellion leads to destruction, but those who remain faithful will find refuge in Him.
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Conclusion
The Word of God reminds us of the seriousness of forsaking His ways after knowing Him. His wrath upon backsliders is just, and His jealousy for His people is undeniable. Let this teaching serve as a warning and an encouragement to stay faithful to the Lord.
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Call to Action
Return to the Lord with all your heart. Examine your ways and repent if you have strayed from His path. Stay faithful, seek His guidance daily, and live according to His Word. Encourage others to remain steadfast in their walk with God, reminding them of the blessings of obedience and the consequences of rebellion.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, let us strive to walk faithfully in the light of God. Let us not be swayed by the fleeting pleasures of this world or the deceptions of the enemy. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength will sustain you as you remain committed to Him. Hold fast to the truth, and you will dwell in His eternal peace and glory.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
(Jude 1:24-25, ESV)
