COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY
INTRODUCTION
Counsel of the ungodly has materialized towards destructive ways with an abundance of methods to enhance its growth in these latter days; with allowance of tolerance and acceptance that were previously denied.
Scripture warns of ungodly activity resulting in judgment: Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince (convict) all that are ungodly among them of their ungodly deeds they have committed (Jude 1:14-15).
It was noted the Lord Jesus Christ is coming to judge the world in righteousness; not as was His first coming which was not to judge and condemn but to seek and save; but His second coming will be a terror to the wicked, finalized by executing judgment on such individuals.
Counsel of the Ungodly
Defiance of Heaven
The counsel of the ungodly will cease when judgment is executed on small and great, high and low, rich and poor, good and bad, righteous and wicked, with sentence pronounced; eternal life and happiness for the godly, and condemnation, death, and misery for the wicked.
It was noted that the counsel of the ungodly is being practiced in a vile manner, publicly, and in defiance of heaven; with ungodly ways and no shame or remorse for having done so (Jeremiah 6:15). There are those who openly profess Christianity yet embrace ungodly mannerisms; having been influenced by the counsel of the ungodly.
Apostle Paul revealed that one is not to give heed to the counsel of the ungodly but rather to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly (understanding what the will of God is), righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:12).
Living Among the Ungodly
Apostle Peter revealed that God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemning them with an overthrow (destruction) making them an example those that after (afterward) should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked; for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed (tormented) his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful (ungodly) deeds (2 Peter 2:6-8).
It was noted that Lot had the convictions of a righteous man but as not able to break away from his ungodly surroundings; even resisted leaving when the doom of the city was at hand. What would so captivate one’s heart and mind that it would be difficult, or even impossible to break free, without God’s help as in the case of Lot?
A Permissive Day
Has the counsel of the ungodly taken hold of some in the church? It was noted that we are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is so tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. This permissiveness and tolerance is the result of a self-willed and carnal minded society.
As a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures to please, to comply with and accommodate this permissive and tolerant society. Is an allowance being made towards a progressive social gospel that does little to expose the gravity of sin; rather than proclaim the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God without compromise?
If Immorality Prevails
A legendary evangelist of the First Great Awakening, Charles G. Finney, noted that preaching will bear its legitimate fruits; if immorality prevails in the land, the fault is ours to a great degree. If there is a decay of conscience the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly the pulpit is responsible for it.
If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away the pulpit is responsible for it. Let us not ignore this fact; but let us lay it to heart, and awake to our responsibility in respect to the morals of this nation. Does this reminder not need to be promulgated today as well?
Intermixing with the World
The Psalmist wrote: The Lord brings the counsel of the heathen (ungodly) to nought; he makes the devices (schemes) of the people of no effect (Psalm 33:10). Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor stands in the way of sinners (not to be entertained by their ways), nor sits in the seat of the scornful (hateful) (Psalm 1:1).
Intermixing is dealt with in the Scriptures: Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree bear olive berries; either a vine figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh (James 3:11-12). This was speaking in reference to blessing and cursing God in the same breath; but could be equated to other areas as well, such as intermixing with the ways of the world and attempting to live for Christ.
Taking Counsel Together
The Psalmist revealed: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying, let us break their (the godly) bands asunder, and cast away their cords (strength) from us (Psalm 2:2-3).
It was noted that we are witnessing the wealthy elite taking counsel together to undermine democracy and freedoms previously enjoyed. We are witnessing global tyranny to facilitate power and control, ushering in a global plan (The Great Reset) to inject their ideologies as being normal and even desirable (established by the World Economic Forum) which has built a vast international network of leaders to carry out its desired goals of globalization and control.
We are witnessing Marxism and Socialism, cousins to Communism, introduced to redefine our present culture, creating a permanent welfare state dependent on the government. It was noted that any country grounded in Christian values cannot be overthrown until those roots (cords) are cut, to change culture, a long march through institutions is necessary (Antonio Gramsci).
God's Response
The Psalmist revealed: Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex (distress) them in his sore displeasure (Psalm 2:5). It was noted that He (God) shall speak to them in His wrath, not in love as to His own people, but in great wrath inflicting severe and just punishment; with His wrath coming upon them to the uttermost; with trouble and confusion, terror, oppression, famine, turmoil, and internal divisions.
Many nations, once blessed by God, have allowed the counsel of the ungodly to prevail, and are experiencing devastation rather than God’s blessings. The words of the Psalmist are being fulfilled, as a prelude to what awaits nations that continue to ignore godly instruction and listen to the counsel of the ungodly.
A Great Shaking
The writer of the Book of Hebrews indicated a time when there will be a great shaking; to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29). Apostle Peter noted: Whereby the world that then was (pre-Flood days of Noah), being overflowed with water perished; but the heavens and the earth, which are now (our present day) by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against (until) the day of judgment and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:6-7).
God’s delay in judgment is explained: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly); but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Seeing that you know these things before (beforehand), beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked (counsel of the ungodly), fall from your own steadfastness (2 Peter 3:17).
Resist Ungodliness
Apostle Paul wrote: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (expected) service. Be not conformed to this world (worldliness); but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
This Scripture leaves no room for the counsel of the ungodly in the life of a genuine Bible believing saint of God. It was noted that to be not conformed to this world is to resist being poured into the mold of present day thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world.
God's Provision for Mankind
Scripture reveals: God so loved the world (which He created), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him (the Lord Jesus Christ) should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He that believes not on him is not condemned; but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18).
Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on Him (John 3:36). Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under Heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The choice lies with each individual as to where they spend eternity when live on earth is over. Today is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late.
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