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(Gen. 6: 5), and moreover only Noah was "perfect in his generations" (Gen. 6: 9) that is
uncorrupted by Satan's angels.
"And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an
overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; and
delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation (way of living) of the wicked: (For
that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul
from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)" (2: 6-8).
Note the word "their unlawful deeds". The men of Sodom were not interested in Lot's
two daughters but pressed for the men who had entered the house (angels) (Gen. 19: 8).
There were not found ten righteous men in Sodom (Gen. 18: 32) so contagious and
corrupting was the sin of sodomy. Whatever we may think of the act itself the only
criterion with which we should be concerned is that it contravened the laws of God then
even as it does today.
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the
unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh
in lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they
are not afraid to speak evil of dignities" (2: 9-10).
Here is solemn warning for judgment and punishment to come for all sinners from the
beginning of time to the final day. An even more surprising and drastic warning was
uttered by our Lord. Christ sent His disciples to herald the coming of the kingdom of
heaven to the Jewish nation (Matt. 10: 7). Those who neglect to study the words of Christ
given to the Apostle Paul for us Gentiles in his epistles should consider:
"Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that
house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily (great emphasis) I say unto you, it
shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than
for that city" (Matt. 10: 14-15).
Think of it. It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha (that God destroyed by
earthquake and fire) than for those, who, given a proper chance to hear and understand
God's call to them, turned their backs on their Creator's messengers. God in the O.T. has
given us much information of Himself, His attributes, character and intentions which are
wise and righteous. In the N.T. He has recorded the work of His Son and interpreted for
us its message and application to us, together with our own specific hope in resurrection.
It is this record we are warned not to neglect. Praise and worship without knowledge
must be empty and unacceptable to Him.
Looking back to verse 10 there is a reference to government. Communal control and
discipline are necessary and so are supported and endorsed by God. Psa. 82: 1
indicates He is at the back of earthly judges and magistrates ("gods" in the text). Our
Lord said: "Render unto the things that are Caesar's". The coin with its inscription was
part of the Roman administration. The indictment of verse 10 is against those who have
such a proud and foolish opinion of themselves that they despise or have contempt for the
restraint of the law. This is another area of departure from God's recipe for good order
and peace, the fruits of such departure are rife in vandalism, abuse of social benefits and
tax evasion.