What Does The Bible Say About... Systemic Courruption
We first published this article on, March 17, 2021. We believe it would be good to republish this material as we are hearing the word “Systemic” this and that, more and more in our great country. What is it and what does the Bible say about it? We need to know the truth.
People look to themselves and society (political correctness) to define and determine what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false. The day is upon us, yea is already here in many quarters, that speaking with authority with a “thus saith the Lord” is being silenced by corrupters.
What Is Systemic Corruption?
We’re hearing a lot lately about “systemic” this or “systemic” that. What exactly does that mean? “Systemic refers to something that is spread throughout, affecting a group or system, such as a body, economy, market or society as a whole.” Webster says, when used as a noun, it is “of, relating to, or common to a system . ... fundamental to a predominant social, economic, or political practice.” Dictionary.com says: when used as an adjective, “of or relating to a system, especially when affecting the entirety of a thing: ... relating to or noting a policy, practice, or set of beliefs that has been established as normative or customary throughout a political, social, or economic system.”
Who Defines Good And Evil?
We are somewhat amazed, and not in a good way, how people look to themselves and society (political correctness) to define and determine what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false. Second Peter 2:19 calls those who practice these things, “servants of corruption.” However, the living and almighty God in heaven defines good and evil, right and wrong, true and false.
“But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation” (Jer. 10:10).
Woe Unto Them That Call Good Evil And
Evil Good!
Men constantly reverse God’s true judgment and substitute their own. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
The holy Scriptures (earth’s operation manual) reveal the truth about those who work iniquity and corruption. Proverbs 17:15, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 24:24-25, “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.” Isaiah 10:1, “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed.” Matthew 6:23, “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Luke 16:15, Jesus “...said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
The World Is Full Of Systemic Evils
As a matter of fact, every sin, every violation of God’s word, is systemic. The world makes sin their belief and policy. They establish the practice of sin as normal and customary in society; and, they condemn everyone who opposes them.
Radical Movement Abounds
A very radical movement is alive and well in the United States. It’s marching forward with a banner to “cancel” our long established culture. It’s origin is founded in Marxism, Communism, Socialism. It’s not enough for them to have their view heard. They’re determined to shut down (i.e. cancel) every dissenting voice. They even pledge to compile a list of those who have a contrary voice and destroy them! The day is upon us, yea is already here in many quarters, that speaking with authority and a “thus saith the Lord” is vigorously being silenced. “Freedom of speech” is dead and gone as far as they are concerned. The ONLY voice they allow is theirs!
The Faithful Will Continue To Proclaim
The Gospel
None the less, the faithful will continue to proclaim the “oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). We will obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). We will stand in defense of the Gospel (Phil. 1:7,17). We will do what Isaiah was told, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isa. 58:1). We will strive to be as Paul who said, “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:26-27). We may go down fighting the good fight of faith, but fight it we will! “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).
The generation in which we live is no different than the generations before it — from the first sin of Adam and Eve, extending to the judgment day, the last day of this world’s existence. SIN is defined as the transgression, the violation, of God’s word/law. “...Sin is the transgression of the law” — the never changing law of God (1 John 3:4). By inspiration, John wrote of his day saying, “...the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). Our generation is no different.
Have You Obeyed The Gospel Of Jesus
Christ?
It is our sincere desire and prayer that you obey the gospel today and be saved. Remember the words of Jesus, “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. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).
The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Is His Power
Unto Salvation
If you are not a Christian you can be by obeying the gospel. Jesus says, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Paul said; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The words of Jesus teach us that to become a
Christian one must:
• Hear the gospel (John 6:44-45)
• Believe in Jesus as the Christ (John 8:24) • Repent of all sins (Luke 13:3)
• Confess Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:32-33) • And be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16) • After baptism remain faithful to God.
(Matthew 10:22)
If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain and we will hear Him say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Let us go back to the Bible, back to Christ and His church and do exactly what He commanded. Please let us help you in your obedience to the gospel before it is eternally too late.
[This material is presented by the members of the Northside church of Christ - 700 Jolly Road, NW - Calhoun, Georgia 30701. If you would like to have a Bible Study or discuss this subject further please contact one of our elders; Kent Bailey at 706-629-6111 - Ron Hall at 770-548-3167 - Eddie Jones at 706264-2651]