In the Bible, “lawless” refers to a state of being without adherence to God’s laws or commandments, often associated with sinfulness and rebellion against divine authority (Matthew 7:23). It denotes a rejection of divine order and moral principles laid out in Scripture.
Scripture
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Biblical Meaning of Lawless
The biblical concept of “lawless” carries significant theological implications, signifying not merely a disobedience to established rules but a deeper rebellion against God’s inherent order and character. In Matthew 7:23, where Jesus states, “And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness,’” the term highlights a deep relational breach with God, framing lawlessness as a fundamental rejection of divine authority that results in estrangement from Him. This idea resonates throughout scripture, where lawlessness is often equated with sin, as seen in 1 John 3:4, which states, “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” Here, lawlessness isn’t just an external activity but embodies a heart posture that dismisses God’s design for moral living.
Moreover, the Apostle Paul underscores the seriousness of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, identifying the “mystery of lawlessness” as a force at work in the world, suggesting that lawlessness is pervasive and influences societal norms and behaviors that stray from God’s commandments. This pervasive lawlessness leads to chaos and disorder, contrasting the order and life found in Christ (John 10:10). The biblical framework illustrates that adherence to God’s law is integral for community and individual flourishing, while lawlessness invites destruction and disconnection from the divine will, reinforcing the call to recognize and live under God’s sovereign rule for a life filled with purpose and aligned with His righteousness.
In addition to the relational aspect of lawlessness with God, the biblical narrative portrays lawlessness as a condition that affects not only individuals but entire communities. In the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in his letters to the early church, he draws attention to the notion that a lawless life leads to moral decay and societal breakdown. Romans 6:19 frames the idea of yielding to lawlessness as an act that ultimately leads one away from righteousness and divine purpose. Here, lawlessness is depicted as both an internal struggle and a public manifestation of turning away from God’s commandments, illustrating the broader consequences of such rebellion in a community context.
Furthermore, the prophetic literature of the Old Testament frequently employs the concept of lawlessness to describe nations and peoples who reject God’s covenantal relationships. Prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah often condemn Israel for their lawless behavior, which includes idolatry and social injustices. This resistance against God’s law is shown to invoke His judgment, serving as a warning against the repercussions of living outside the prescribed order of life He established. In this broader context, lawlessness serves as both a personal and communal challenge, highlighting the necessity of cultivating faithfulness to God’s guidance in all aspects of life. The biblical narrative calls believers to a countercultural lifestyle marked by lawful living, which reflects divine purpose and promotes harmony within community, underscoring the endless grace available to those who seek restoration through Christ.
The Rejection of Divine Authority
In the biblical context, being lawless often signifies a rejection of God’s authority and His commandments. This rebellion against divine law reflects a heart that is not aligned with God’s will, leading to actions that are contrary to His teachings. Lawlessness, therefore, is not merely about the absence of laws but represents a deeper spiritual condition where individuals choose to live outside the moral and ethical boundaries set by God.
The Consequences of Lawlessness
Lawlessness in the Bible is frequently associated with negative consequences, both in this life and the next. It leads to chaos, moral decay, and ultimately separation from God. The lawless are depicted as those who will face judgment for their actions, highlighting the seriousness of living in opposition to God’s standards. This theme serves as a warning to believers about the importance of adhering to God’s laws and the potential repercussions of straying from them.
The Call to Righteousness
The concept of lawlessness also serves as a contrast to the call for righteousness and obedience in the life of a believer. The biblical narrative emphasizes that while lawlessness is prevalent, there is a path to redemption and restoration through faith and adherence to God’s commandments. This call to righteousness invites individuals to turn away from lawlessness and embrace a life that reflects God’s character and purposes, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment and community harmony.
How to Embrace Obedience and Grow in Faith
Embracing obedience as a pathway to grow in faith is a journey that requires both intention and grace. It starts with a heart open to God’s word, allowing scripture to guide your decisions and actions. When you commit to living out the teachings of Christ, you’ll find that obedience isn’t just about following rules; it’s about cultivating a deeper relationship with Him. Take time to pray and reflect on areas in your life where you feel called to act—whether it’s serving others, forgiving those who have wronged you, or simply being more present in your daily interactions. Remember, obedience often leads to blessings that you might not expect, and as you step out in faith, you’ll discover a profound sense of purpose and joy. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable, and don’t be afraid to share your struggles and victories along the way. In this beautiful dance of faith and obedience, you’ll find that God is not just asking for your compliance, but inviting you into a transformative relationship that deepens your trust in Him.
Bible References to Lawlessness in Scripture:
Romans 6:19-23: 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-12: 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.
4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,
10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,
12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1 Timothy 1:8-11: 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,
10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,
11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
2 Peter 2:4-10: 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;
5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked
8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);
9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,
10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
1 John 3:4-10: 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
Jude 1:4-8: 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.
7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.
Revelation 21:7-8: 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.