The Purpose of Wicked Leaders
Many Christians are (rightly) upset at the majority ruling of the United States Supreme Court in its recent decision to declare “gay marriage” legal. The ruling is not only unethical, but logically absurd. “Gay marriage” is a self-contradictory term: an oxymoron, like “dry water.” The Supreme Court can declare “dry water” to be legal as emphatically as possible, but water will always be wet. Likewise, marriage has always been and will always be one man and one woman united by God, because God created marriage and has defined it as such (Genesis 1:27, 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6).
If a judge decides that “2+2 shall no longer equal 4”, and issues a statement to that effect, will reality change? Of course not. The judge has not changed reality, he has merely revealed his own ignorance and arrogance. The mathematically illiterate might celebrate the decision. But the world of mathematics would not suddenly change to accommodate the ignorance of the judges.
Of course if people started attempting to live by such erroneous thinking, that would be problematic indeed. Just imagine the architect trying to design a new building using the court’s “redefined math.” That’s just not going to go well. Likewise, those people who attempt to live a so-called “marriage” consisting of two men or two women will have serious problems. They will find it quite impossible to obey God’s command to produce godly offspring – the purpose of marriage (Genesis 1:27-28; Malachi 2:14-15).
Furthermore, their sin will have negative consequences even for those of us who do not participate in it. God often gives blessings and punishments on a national level (Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Psalm 33:12). And so when people in our nation rebel against God, mock him and His design for the family, is it reasonable to suppose that God will continue to abundantly bless our nation as He has in the past? No, God will not be mocked. When people sow sin, they reap a harvest of destruction (Galatians 6:7).
When people in positions of authority do something stupid and unethical, all of us who are under their authority suffer. Adam is the first example of this, and we should expect other examples until the Lord returns. Many Christians feel that unjust actions by wicked leaders somehow set back God’s plan. But that is not so. God’s plan cannot be stopped or even slowed by the feeble efforts of wicked men. His purpose will be established and He will accomplish all His good pleasure (Isaiah 46:10). That means that God not only knew in advance that such wicked actions would occur, but they are actually part of God’s plan to accomplish something good! That doesn’t mean that God approves of such sin. Sin is still sin and God will punish those who do not repent. Rather, it means that God uses even the sin of leaders, and the suffering that results from such sin, to accomplish His good purposes.
One such purpose is the sanctification of His people. God uses suffering to effect practical righteousness in His saints (Hebrews 12:11). Silver and gold are refined by fire; so Christians are purified through righteous suffering (Zechariah 13:9; 1 Peter 1:7). Our nation has been so blessed because our God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12). And because we are so blessed, it is all too easy for Christians to become complacent; we fail to seek God, to defend His Word, and to declare His Gospel, because our lives are so comfortable. Rather than making disciples of all nations, we gradually become just like the world. God uses suffering to wake us from our slumber.
Second, God uses the sinful actions of wicked leaders to demonstrate His power and His justice. Wicked men may plan to rebel against God, and think that they can stop God from accomplishing His purposes (Psalm 2:1-3). God just laughs at them (Psalm 2:4). An ant would have a better chance winning a boxing match with Mike Tyson than all the kings and judges of the earth have of stopping God’s plan. God allows leaders to rebel… for a while. But if they do not repent, eventually God will wipe them out. God sometimes raises up wicked leaders for the very purpose of destroying them and exhibiting His own power and justice (Romans 9:17; Exodus 9:16, 10:1-2, 14:4).
Psalm 2:10-12 states, “Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” God is certainly willing to forgive wicked men if they repent and turn from their sin (Isaiah 55:7). But if they don’t repent, God will utterly destroy them.
Third, God uses the sin of wicked leaders to show His mercy and His salvation. The devastating consequences of sin can bring people to a state of humility. It is only when sinners are brought low that they cry out to God. And God is gracious to forgive those who repent and call out to Him (Isaiah 55:7). As our nation begins to suffer the inevitable consequences of sin, perhaps many sinners will repent and turn to the Lord. Yes, God can use the suffering of sin to bring about His gracious salvation.
As a matter of historical fact, salvation is possible only because God allowed men to use their authority for evil purposes. It was part of God’s plan that Pontius Pilate would rise to become governor and would have the authority to either crucify or release Christ (John 19:10-11). Fearing the people, Pilate ultimately chose to execute Christ. The crucifixion of the only sinless man was the worst, most wicked action imaginable. And did this set back God’s plan? No – it was His plan (Acts 2:23). And it accomplished the salvation of all God’s people. God works all things together for good for His people (Romans 8:28), He even brings good from the evil decrees of wicked leaders. Whether people rebel or repent, God’s victory cannot be stopped (Deuteronomy 4:35; Psalm 135:6; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 43:13).
Thank you for providing some clear, sound, Biblical counsel on the subject. I heartily agree with your conclusions on the subject. Man cannot redefine what they did not originally create and define! Please keep writing the truth!
At this time in our nation when all around seems very dark & when wickedness abounds & authorities forsake God & His Word, this tends to be our focus rather than the Almighty power of God (see Daniel 4:35). Thank you Dr. Lisle for sharing your wisdom about the Purpose of Wicked Leaders, so as to give us hope from the true source of hope, the Scriptures! You are as Daniel 12:3 states, “Those who have insight (wisdom) will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, & those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever & ever.”
This is a very good post. God sometimes causes leaders to make sinful choices to do justice against the people – our leaders seem to exemplify the sinful heart of a majority. Regardless, I am so happy to have such an amazing family in Christ. A while back, I posted evil things here in your blog that I am very ashamed of, but I wanted to let you know about a church service I saw that to me proved Christ. Unfortunately, the direct link to the video doesn’t work so I will give you their website: http://www.crossroadschurch.com/
Once at their home page, click GENERATE/STUDENTS at the top, then click the pink SERMONS button, click the square on the second row which reads SUPERNATURAL and scroll down on the list and select the video titled DEMONS. The first 10 minutes of it are scary but afterwards the senior pastor Chuck Booher delivers an excellent message. There is also a part 2 on the topic; apart from this, I’ve heard so many extraordinary things about the things God is doing today in the Church!
Regarding ASC
Are there any structures in the universe that appear to be a result of explosion or some other event that are larger than 6000 light years? If not, that would appear to be evidence in support of your theory.
It’s a good thought. The difficulty would be in determining what “appears to be a result of an explosion.” There are matter streams in space larger than 6000 light years, but there is no necessary reason to think that they would have to be the result of an explosion. About the closest thing I can think of to what you propose are supernova remnants – the hot expanding plasma resulting from an exploding star. We know the rate at which supernovae occur today. And we know the number of supernova remnants observed. Dividing the two gives an age of the universe very close to 6000 years. This has also been done for one of the Magellanic Clouds – and it also works out to about 6000 years, yet this galaxy is well over 100,000 light years away. So, yes, I think that supports the ASC model.
Thank you for sharing these very important reminders. I hope your platform widens even more because you present God’s truth. I will pray for your work and your ministry.
I’ve been following your videos and reading your books for over a year. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for you and your clarity of defending the Christian worldview and fulfilling 1 Peter 3:15. Most Christians denounce or side step this scripture because of a fear of offending people enslaving them to what others think rather than what Christ thinks stunting their evangelism movement. I am an active evangelist and the more i know what to say and how to be reasonable and defend the Bible the more bold i get approaching strangers by God’s grace to tell them about where they came from and what they are in need of.
Thank you Jason, and I will continue to pray that God keeps using you effectively and efficiently to equip Christians all over the globe. (1 Corinthians 9:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 10:5)
Hello Dr. Lisle,
I just finished watching a debate you had with Hugh Ross like in 2013 at the national conference on christian apologetics 2013.
I know that this was some time ago, but i was so deeply hurt or should i say angry.
Hugh Ross considers himself a christian? I now that you might consider him that way but i say he is a heretic and belongs to some cult, not the church of God.
He claimed the we can see in the past now, God creating the Universe.
How can he say such a thing? I would like to see that to… And maybe the day i was born…
I thought that ” Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrew 11:3
If it is through faith then it is not by seeing…
I thought that it was the most disgusting claim i have ever heard…
He also claimed in another debate with Kent Hovind, that we can see the farthest star existing, and that claim was made at least 10 years ago… He shocked Kent Hovind…
I can say that i enjoy your presentations so much. And i would really ask you to keep writing post here.
Maybe you can post some articles like the one you did ”Answering Dr. Norman Geisler’s Comments on Genesis” and do something like that concerning Hugh Ross.
I think he is quite dangerous…
I want to thank you for your work.
God Bless you and stay with the Word(Bible) to the end.
Thanks Mihai. Sadly, Ross’s theology is quite bad. However, I reserve the word “heretic” for someone who denies an essential Christian doctrine such as the deity of Christ, the resurrection, etc. Ross professes these essentials, so I must give him the benefit of the doubt. I hope he is genuinely saved, and that is up to God anyway. But I am more than happy to show why Ross’s theology does not stand up to biblical scrutiny. My latest book “Understanding Genesis” is exactly what you are wanting. It’s much like my response to Geisler’s comments on Genesis, but it deals with Ross’s errors. God bless.
I believe (Genesis 1:17, 2:14; Matthew 19:3-6) in the first paragraph should be (Genesis 1:27, 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6).
Thank you for the thoughtful articles and responses on this blog and in your books. God bless.
Yes. Thanks!
Thank you Dr jason Lisle so refreshing to hear common sense in your article. I saw you first in God of Wonders recently and since then I’ve come across other programs you have. I enjoy your eloquent way of presentation and your fine sense of wholesome humor. And best of all you speak the truth of our Most High Almighty God and our King and Saviour Jesus Christ Keep up the great work God Bless you.
Dear Dr. Lisle!
I just “found you” on You Tube yesterday and can’t stop watching your videos! You are absolutely fascinating! I’m a simple old woman from Austria, have been born again 1986 and the Lord and His UNFAILING Word has never lost the fascination from day one till today! Your extreme high intelligence and insight combined with your humble spirit and humor is a gift to humanity!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR MINISTRY!!!!!
Also, this article about gay marriage says it all! You really can bring out God sovereignty in any topic! The whole gay agenda and the fact that young Americans fall for all these things is mind blowing! Have you ever spoken about the gender identity hoax that is going on? You spoke about DNA how it is copied into reproduction of any kind, what about sex? I know it cannot be changed as they make us believe, but it would be so interesting to hear a teaching about this phenomena from you!
Sorry for taking so much time, and slightly going off the topic!
God bless you and everything you do!
Gerlinde
Thank you for your ultimate proof for creation. I am a full Gospel minister and hold a fulltime job. I used to debate constantly here at work until I ordered the series and nobody has come to debate in a while. I now ask them if they can prove the Bible wrong through science, history, logic, or morality and the fun begins keeping in mind that I’m not here to convert but just to kick a brick out of their world view and plant a seed. I then ask if the Bible can be trusted in these areas can you trust it spiritually, then the door for the salvation plan is opened. God Bless, Brother Joe.
Wow, what a wonderful explanation. I had attempted a similar summary, but I like yours more. Thus, God willing, I will place a link to yours (this article) at the end of mine: http://answersfromgod.com/2015/08/28/Should-I-Be-Concerned-that-Wicked-People-Are-Prospering/?JasonLisle=the-purpose-of-wicked-leaders