Matthew 24:11 - And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.12 - And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The word "iniquity" comes from the Greek word "anomia". Thayer's Greek lexicon defines it this way:
BDB/Thayers # 458 anomia {an-om-ee'-ah} from 459; TDNT - 4:1085,646; n f AV - iniquity 12, unrighteousness 1, transgress the law + 4060 1, transgression of the law 1; 15 1) the condition of without law 1a) because ignorant of it 1b) because of violating it 2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
And Strong's Lexicon defines it: "illegality (i.e. violation of the law)"
Basically, Jesus predicted, that because of false prophets, illegality or violation of the law and a condition of without law will abound.
Looks like he was right on target.
Great post. Satan has inspired many to think that continuing in sin is righteousness. Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2 Let it not be! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Paul makes the case that because we are no longer under the written laws of physical Israel does not mean we are free to violate God's law...to sin. He believed what the old testament, his only scripture, told him about the new convenent:
Jer 31:33 but this shall be the covenant that I will cut with the house of Israel: After those days, says Jehovah, I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
God's laws, his torah, are written in the hearts and minds of believers. As we grow in faith and understanding the natural result is that we keep the law.
Are you free from sin today? If so, then why? Is it because you don't give into temptation or is it because you are free from the stain of sin and the power of sin because of what Jesus did for you?
When is the last time you sinned? And if you sin tomorrow, what happens to your salvation?
Matthew 7:
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
It is the DOING that gives one, a firm foundation.