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Diluted Righteousness

Isaiah 1:21-23

"See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them."

In the present age of ecumenical anti-judgmentalism Isaiah may have been viewed as a divisive person if he were to point out sin within the religious community today. Many Christians want to feel comfortable in their vain religiosity without someone pointing out the hypocrisy in their lives. In vain do people reckon themselves righteous while willfully living a lifestyle of sin. See how the faithful city has become a harlot. For many marginalize the Christian life with worldliness leading to corruption, and the silver of the Word is not appreciated and doesn't shine through their lives. Though some fall from time to time into sin, yet there are Christians who have prostituted themselves, buying into a lifestyle of sin. These are those who also hate the true Christians as it is written, "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother."1John 3:10 and "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him." 1John 3:15

Here Isaiah speaks also of them in authority. Rulers should uphold the law, but themselves rebel against it. How many of us can testify of authority figures who judge with impunity, not allowing themselves to be subjected to the same scrutiny and judgement they apply to others? They often are motivated out of financial gain or the praise of men. Such has been the case for many a religious leader throughout history. But rather then obsessing over themselves and their position, leaders should primarily concern themselves with the neediest and most dependent under their authority. But such people are often reckoned of little value to them.


The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources Jan 29,2022