Who Holds the Truth In Unrighteousness?

[Mr. M]

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Can an unbeliever hold the truth in unrighteousness? Are they not devoid of truth?

Is there not the greater wrath for those who claim to be believers,

but hold the truth in unrighteousness, whether they be Jew or Gentile?

Luke 12:

47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself 

or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 

48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes,

shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given,

from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed,

of him they will ask the more.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you.

He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

 

Edited June 3, 2023 by Mr. M

[farouk]

13 minutes ago, Mr. M said:

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Can an unbeliever hold the truth in unrighteousness? Are they not devoid of truth?

Is there not the greater wrath for those who claim to be believers,

but hold the truth in unrighteousness, whether they be Jew or Gentile?

Luke 12:

47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself 

or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 

48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes,

shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given,

from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed,

of him they will ask the more.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you.

He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

 

I am reminded of the hymn, O joy of the justified..............

"O Joy of the justified, joy of the free,
I’m washed in that crimson tide opened for me;
In Christ, my Redeemer, rejoicing I stand,
And point to the print of the nails in His hand."

[Mr. M]

35 minutes ago, farouk said:

I am reminded of the hymn, O joy of the justified..............

"O Joy of the justified, joy of the free,
I’m washed in that crimson tide opened for me;
In Christ, my Redeemer, rejoicing I stand,
And point to the print of the nails in His hand."

Yes, quite the opposite of religious self-justification.

Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money,

also heard all these things, and they derided Him.

15 And He said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men,

but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is

an abomination in the sight of God.

This is holding the truth in unrighteousness.

Matthew 23:13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither

go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

[farouk]

Just now, Mr. M said:

Yes, quite the opposite of religious self-justification.

Luke 16:14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money,

also heard all these things, and they derided Him.

15 And He said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men,

but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is

an abomination in the sight of God.

This is holding the truth in unrighteousness.

Matthew 23:13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither

go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

Indeed and self-righteousness is hardly limited to religious leaders. Joseph Hart wrote: "Might enemies without, Much mightier within...." He then goes on to honor God's sovereign grace in the Gospel.