Still, Only Two Options

March 2020 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Still, Only Two Options

Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words defines the adjective “ungodly” as “‘without reverence for God,’ not merely irreligious, but acting in contravention [violation or opposition] of God’s demands.” Similarly, a lexical aid says the word is a combination of two words, meaning “without worship ... without fear and reverence of God. It does not mean irreligious, but one who actively practices the opposite of what the fear of God demands ... characterized by immoral and impious behavior.”

These two reference materials indicate the adjective “ungodly” occurs nine times in the New Testament. Looking at those verses we find some interesting lessons. The first is Romans 4:5, where Paul wrote: “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (NKJV). One point to see here is that there is a Savior who can and does justify ungodly ones, according to the person’s faith. Now having righteousness, they are no longer described as ungodly. What an awesome work is done by the Lord! The next reference tells us why He can do this: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (5:6). He gave His life on the cross for you and me. Ponder this fact for a moment.

First Timothy 1:9 refers to the law, explaining that it was made “for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers ...” and others. The purpose of the law was and is to make us recognize our sin and our need for the Savior (see Gal. 3:22-25).

In 1 Peter 4:18 we find this question: “Now ‘if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’” We see the answer in the remaining uses of “ungodly” by the Spirit. They all relate to God’s verdict of judgment (see 2 Peter 2:5, 3:7; Jude 4,15 twice).

Last month we spoke about the two builders (Mt. 7:24-27). This month the topic is different, but the same situation remains. There are only two options. Do you choose righteousness by faith, accepting God’s offer of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for you? Or do you reject it, committing yourself to an eternity alone in unimaginable judgment? God has left the choice to you.

By Paul Alberts