The sin of disobedience is very serious, and the Lord despises people who reject His commandments, statutes, and judgments. Disobedience begins with someone, a group, or even an entire nation pretending not to know how to act, after already understanding God's will. No one is deceiving themselves when they despise the mission given by the Most High; in fact, they are disobeying Him, knowing that there will be punishment.

Sin entered the Garden of Eden when Eve ate the forbidden fruit; however, the transgression was not imputed to her because God had spoken to Adam. By eating the fruit of the tree of good and evil, the first man ruined the entire human race: For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. (Romans 5.19). Now it is important for us to obey God, for we have been made righteous in Jesus.

Israel had no excuse for rebelling against the Lord, because they had been taught from childhood about obedience to the commandments (Deuteronomy 6:1-9). The Gentiles could not pay for the price of their mistake. So everyone received the right to obtain mercy: For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience. (Romans 11.30).

Sins were framed in Israel's disobedience, and this shows that the peoples became equal. Thus, God can show mercy to the lost (Romans 11:32). He is pleased to respond to them because Israel disobeyed Him. Now, it is as if the Gentiles had always been in the presence of the Most High, and therefore He extended mercy to them because they had no knowledge of the Law that points out their errors (Romans 2:12).

According to Paul, God is ready to avenge all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled (2 Corinthians 10:6). The decision to follow His Word is of great importance to the Father. The Lord speaks of avenging the fact that the Israelites gave in to the enemy, but when He sees our obedience, His strong action of vengeance will deliver them from judgment. As for the Gentiles, it is enough for them to accept Jesus as Savior.

Writing to the Ephesians, the apostle says that in the past, the Gentiles walked under the command of the prince of the power of the air, but that spirit no longer operates in us because we are no longer considered children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-7). As for those chosen by God to occupy a prominent place among the peoples, they will be saved when the veil over their heads is removed. In this way, they will see as children of light, the saved people of the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:13-16).

The sinful acts that people keep in their hearts and the wickedness that dominates their will can no longer oppress them. God is a refuge, a fortress, and a help that is very present in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Never let yourself be influenced or dominated by sin. Those who do so will see the wrath of God (Colossians 3:6). Watch and live!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares.