Understanding Lawlessness: A Biblical Perspective
In 1 John 3:4, we read, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." Sin, at its core, is lawlessness. It is not merely the absence of law but rebellion against the moral order established by God.
Paul warned in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 about "the mystery of iniquity" already at work, which speaks to a hidden, pervasive spirit of rebellion that will one day be fully revealed in the man of sin—the Antichrist. This mystery of lawlessness is already influencing politics, culture, and even the Church.
This lawlessness will ultimately culminate in the rise of the Antichrist, who embodies complete defiance against God. Paul describes this figure clearly in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (KJV): "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped."
Today, we can clearly discern the spirit of antichrist increasingly at work in society. It manifests in widespread rejection of absolute truth, an embrace of moral relativism, and open hostility toward biblical Christianity. The apostle John cautions believers in 1 John 4:3 (KJV), "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
The spirit of antichrist is prevalent today in the subtle erosion of moral and ethical boundaries—within politics, media, entertainment, and even within some churches. When absolute truth is discarded, it gives way to confusion and disorder, perfectly setting the stage for the ultimate deception of the Antichrist.
Believers must stand firmly anchored in biblical truth, discerning clearly the influences of this rebellious spirit, and remain vigilant against any compromise with lawlessness.
Lawlessness in Today's Society
Lawlessness today is not just a spike in crime — it's a moral and spiritual breakdown of society. The biblical concept of lawlessness goes beyond civil disobedience; it reflects the rejection of God’s authority and order. In 1 John 3:4, sin is equated with lawlessness: the willful disregard of God's commands. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4, KJV)
We now live in a time when evil is celebrated, and truth is condemned as hateful. Violence floods our cities, laws are bent to suit agendas, and many leaders embrace moral relativism. Accountability is increasingly rare, and justice is often redefined according to human desires, not God’s righteousness.
Lawlessness is not limited to the streets — it’s creeping into churches. Many pulpits no longer preach repentance, and many believers no longer see sin as serious. The Church is tempted to exchange conviction for comfort and holiness for popularity. When the Church begins to reflect the culture rather than Christ, lawlessness has entered the sanctuary.
This is exactly what Jesus warned us about in the last days: a world unmoored from truth, where every man does what is right in his own eyes “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25, KJV)
In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." This prophecy reveals the spiritual climate of the last days. As sin and rebellion increase in the world, the warmth of genuine love — both for God and for others — begins to fade. What once stirred hearts to prayer, compassion, worship, and conviction becomes distant, replaced by apathy, offense, and self-preservation.
This coldness is seen when churches prioritize comfort over truth, when believers stop praying, witnessing, or standing for righteousness. When love grows cold, faith becomes mechanical, and people begin to live like the world, even while professing Christ. The spiritual temperature drops when iniquity is tolerated instead of confronted. Confronting iniquity today means standing firmly on biblical truth, even when it’s unpopular. It means calling sin what it is, not out of condemnation, but out of love and concern for souls. Believers must speak truth with grace, pray for discernment, and model holy living in a world that increasingly embraces compromise.
This too is a sign of the times — a warning not just of cultural decay, but of spiritual backsliding. As believers, we must guard our hearts and keep our love for God burning bright, lest we too grow cold in a lukewarm world.
Lawlessness is more than rising crime statistics. It’s the moral unraveling of society. We live in a time when evil is celebrated, and truth is called hate.
Cities are plagued by violence. Injustice is redefined. Accountability is often avoided. Society is losing its moral compass.
When people begin to question or outright reject God’s design for life, marriage, gender, authority, and justice, it doesn’t lead to progress — it leads to chaos. This is exactly what we are witnessing today.
In the early 1990s, when Newt Gingrich was Speaker of the House, I attended a class at the Church of God Theological Seminary. I had just returned from serving on the mission field in Japan and wanted to broaden my understanding. During one session, a guest speaker from the United Methodist Church offered his thoughts on homosexuality. He criticized Gingrich, calling him a hypocrite because his sister was gay. I didn't understand how one had to do with the other — we can't control what others do, especially family.
After class, I asked the speaker about his stance. I said, “What do you do with Romans 1 when it clearly speaks against the homosexual lifestyle?” The professor responded, “Well, that’s where I disagree with Paul.” I was stunned. We may disagree on personal opinions or interpretations, but no Christian should ever disagree with the Word of God. If we do this, that’s the beginning of our separation from the truth of God’s word. Scripture is not optional — it is God-breathed, authoritative, and eternal. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: What we are seeing today echoes Judges 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” This wasn’t just a historic commentary — it’s a diagnosis of any culture that abandons divine authority. When people reject God’s truth, they elevate personal opinion, redefine morality, and make decisions based on feelings rather than righteousness. That path leads not to freedom, but to confusion, conflict, and collapse. That path doesn’t lead to peace — it leads to confusion, conflict, and chaos.” there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
This is why the cultural push to redefine gender is so disruptive — it challenges the order God has already established for the family. When society tries to override God’s design, chaos follows. It’s not just a social issue; it’s a spiritual rebellion. God created us male and female, and that identity is not ours to alter. To resist that is to resist the Creator Himself. We are who God made us, and rather than changing it, we are called to honor it.
Even in churches, lawlessness creeps in when biblical standards are replaced by entertainment, convenience, or feel-good theology. Holiness is replaced with tolerance. Conviction is replaced with affirmation. Truth is traded for popularity.
