What does the Bible say about the difference between the godly and the ungodly?

The Bible highlights a profound distinction between the godly and the ungodly, focusing on their principles, practices, and eternal destinies. The Scriptures describe a clear separation between the godly and the ungodly. The godly are characterized by refined affections and desires that are exalted, while the ungodly have corrupt inclinations and groveling desires. This fundamental difference affects not only their external behavior but also their internal reality; for the godly, there is a struggle between grace and sin, whereas for the ungodly, sin reigns unchallenged. The godly are deeply concerned with eternal realities, engaging with the world responsibly, while the ungodly neglect such considerations, living in rebellion both against God and the order He established.

How do we know that sin reigns in the ungodly?

In the ungodly, sin dominates without challenge, evidencing a complete lack of concern for God. The existence of sin reigning in the ungodly is evident through their life choices and inner disposition. Unlike the godly, who experience a struggle for sovereignty between grace and sin, the ungodly have no such internal conflict. Sin settles comfortably in their hearts, and their actions expose this dominion. They exhibit a lack of reverence for God, indulge in wrongful pleasures, and have a worldview that disregards divine law, all of which point to sin having taken up a secure residency within them. This is contrasted with the godly, who are grieved by sin and seek to obey God's commands.

Why is the eternal destiny of the godly important for Christians?

The eternal destiny of the godly assures believers of their salvation and the fulfillment of God's promises. Understanding the eternal destiny of the godly is vital for Christians as it solidifies their hope in divine promises. The Scriptures affirm that the godly will dwell with God for eternity, receiving the fullness of joy and peace that comes from His presence. This assurance encourages believers to live in accordance with God's will, knowing that their struggles and sacrifices are not in vain. The stark contrast with the ungodly, who face judgment and separation from God, further motivates the Christian to adhere to their faith and proclaim the gospel, offering hope to others who are presently in darkness.

What does it mean to have hope in the death of the godly?

Having hope in the death of the godly suggests a confident reliance on God's promises of eternal life. The godly have hope in death due to the assurance of eternal life offered through faith in Christ. For believers, death is a passage into the presence of God, where they will receive the fullness of joy and be free from the struggles of this life. This hope is rooted in the scriptures that convey God’s promises of salvation and the ultimate victory over sin and death. Unlike the ungodly, who are faced with the terrifying prospect of judgment, the godly can delight in the assurance that they will inherit eternal life, emphasizing the importance of living faithfully according to God’s word.

The Difference Between the Godly and the Ungodly - James Meikle

There is a wide difference in
both principle and practice between the godly and the ungodly. The affections of the godly are
refined, and their desires exalted, The inclinations of the ungodly
are corrupt and their desires groveling. Sin has but a tottering
standing and a momentary abode in the godly, but sin has fixed
its throne and taken up its eternal residence in the ungodly. In the godly, grace and sin struggle
for sovereignty. in the ungodly, sin domineers
and there is no struggle. The godly is deeply concerned
about world to come. The ungodly has no concern about
eternal realities. The speech of the godly is seasoned
with grace. The discourse of the ungodly
is insipid and vain. The godly has his hope fixed
on God. The ungodly has no fear of God
before his eyes. The godly use the world without
abusing it. The ungodly, in using the world,
abuse both themselves and it. The godly confesses God in his
daily life and rejoices with his whole heart in him. The ungodly
says in his practice, there is no God and wishes in his heart
that there were no God. The godly adores the creator
above all else. The ungodly worships the creature
more than the creator. The godly uses God's name with
profoundest reverence and departs from iniquity. The ungodly profanes
God's name with impudence and adds iniquity to sin. The godly
redeems his time. The ungodly trifles away his
time. The godly studies his duty in
obedience to all God's precepts. The ungodly shakes himself loose
from every command of God. The godly forgives his foes. The ungodly lays a snare for
his foes. The godly commits it to God to
avenge his wrong. The ungodly, fiery and tumultuous,
seeks revenge. The godly loves chastity in all
things. The ungodly wallows in uncleanness. The godly is content with his
condition. The ungodly covets all the day
long. The godly is pure in heart. The heart of the ungodly is like
a cage full of unclean beasts. The godly walks at liberty in
the ways of God. The ungodly is the servant and
slave of sin. The Holy Spirit rules in the
heart of the godly. Satan rules in the heart of the
ungodly. The godly has his conversation
in heaven. The ungodly has his conversation
in hell. As there is such a wide difference
in their principles and practices, so also in their eternal destinies. God is faithful. He has promised
felicity to the pious and threatened vengeance to the wicked. The
wicked is thrust out in his wickedness, but the righteous has hope in
his death. Proverbs 14 verse 32. The godly are under the blessing
of God's love. The ungodly are under the curse
of God's law. The godly with joy draw water
out of the wells of salvation. The ungodly shall drink of the
wrath of the Almighty. To the godly pertain all the
exceeding great and precious promises. to the ungodly pertain
all the threatenings of God. Heaven shall be the palace of
the godly. Hell shall be the prison of the
ungodly. While the godly shall dwell through
eternity with God, the ungodly shall be driven away into everlasting
darkness. Thus, the righteous and wicked
are separated in their life and divided in their death. They
are divided in their principles, in their practices, in their
choices, in their joys, in their thoughts, in their company, in
their speech, in their fears, in their expectations, in their
death. and through eternity itself. This Puritan devotional has been
brought to you by Grace Gems, a treasury of ageless Sovereign
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The Difference Between the Godly and the Ungodly

Key Quotes

What does the Bible say about the difference between the godly and the ungodly?

How do we know that sin reigns in the ungodly?

Why is the eternal destiny of the godly important for Christians?

What does it mean to have hope in the death of the godly?

Sermon Transcript

Comments

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The Difference Between the Godly and the Ungodly

Key Quotes

What does the Bible say about the difference between the godly and the ungodly?

How do we know that sin reigns in the ungodly?

Why is the eternal destiny of the godly important for Christians?

What does it mean to have hope in the death of the godly?

Sermon Transcript

Comments

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