Topical Encyclopedia
RebellionRebellion in the biblical context refers to the act of resisting or defying authority, particularly the authority of God. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the human tendency to stray from divine commandments and the consequences that follow such actions.
The first act of rebellion is found in
Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This act of defiance introduces sin into the world, resulting in the fall of humanity.
Genesis 3:6 states, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
Rebellion is further exemplified in the narrative of the Israelites. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites frequently rebelled against Him during their wilderness journey.
Numbers 14:9 warns, "Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be our bread. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!"
The prophets often addressed the rebellion of Israel and Judah, calling the people to repentance.
Isaiah 1:2 declares, "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: 'I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.'"
In the New Testament, rebellion is seen in the rejection of Jesus Christ by the religious leaders and many of the people.
Acts 7:51 records Stephen's rebuke, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did."
JudgmentJudgment in the Bible refers to the divine assessment and administration of justice by God. It is portrayed as both a present reality and a future event, where God holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions.
The Old Testament frequently depicts God's judgment on nations and individuals who persist in rebellion. The flood in
Genesis 6-9 serves as a prime example of divine judgment on a corrupt world.
Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'"
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in
Genesis 19 is another instance of God's judgment against sin.
Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."
In the New Testament, the concept of judgment is expanded to include the final judgment at the end of the age. Jesus speaks of this in
Matthew 25:31-32 , "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the certainty of judgment, as seen in
Romans 14:10-12 , "For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God."
Rebellion and judgment are intricately linked in the biblical narrative, serving as a reminder of the holiness of God and the call for humanity to live in obedience to His will.
