THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER

There are several passages in the Bible that distinguishes between the "ungodly" and the "sinner." David, in the first Psalm says, "Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners ..." The same distinction is made in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 4:18 and in Jude vs 15 he speaks of the "ungodly sinner."

The idea seems to be that a man just might be a sinner without being ungodly. But all ungodly men are sinners. Here's what I mean: ungodliness is defined as "destitute of reverential awe towards God, condemning God, impious." This is an attitude that is ingrained in a man. He does not consider God in the life that he lives. He says, like the fool, "there is no God." His counsel, his advice, would not include God therefore it would not be at all beneficial so it would be a "blessed event' to avoid his counsel. There is little hope that the ungodly man will ever change therefore that person shall perish from God's sight in the judgment.

The one who is designated as a sinner is one who has transgressed God's law. No doubt he will be condemned for his sin unless he repents. He may be one who reverences God but through some weakness allows himself to be caught in the Devil's web. David said, "My sin is ever before me." He didn't sin because he rejected God but because of his own lust. "Man is drawn away by his own lusts and enticed." There is hope for the sinner who has not rejected God.

But we read of the "wilful sinner." He is likely the one Jude refers to as the "ungodly sinner." This man has turned his back on the only thing that can cleanse him from his sin, the sacrifice of Christ. So shun the counsel of the ungodly and have no companionship with the sinner lest you, too, should be turned aside and rejected.

Return to the Daily Devotions