Ephesians 4:18-19

"Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is deep- seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the in-sensitiveness of their moral nature]." Ephesians 4:18

I see no need to expound on what Godlessness looks like, beyond Paul's explanation. Someone could just as easily come along and paint an even darker version later as we move closer to Christ's return. But, the fact of the matter is, that anything that is not of God is "sin"! Sin is self-destructive... a lie, vain, hurtful, and all of it God sees and it breaks His heart.

19. "In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]."

I've seen this in some who've been very dear to me, whom continued in a particular sin long enough that it began to consume them... they no longer cared what others thought... no longer hid their sin from loved ones... and eventually could no longer hear God warning them. Down and further down they spiral until it is even hard for closest loved ones to recognize them. I see old friends once in a while that I have not seen in years, whom continued in the lifestyle and behaviors I shared, and it is terrible what happens to many.

In Ezekiel 28, we find that satan was a beautiful angel originally and because of sin he is later described as something hideous and terrible. Look at just a few examples of alcoholics, drug users, prostitutes, etc., it is terrible what sin does when left to run it's ultimate course... "eternal death". This death is not the end of existence! No, it means to continually be left for dead... never to feel the mercy and love of God ever again, but exist that way forever.

Finally, for Paul to be telling someone who believes to be a Christian these things is because they just may not be one if they continue in the manner he describes here. There are many who "feel" they are saved, but have only been deceived. They believe in a god they have created themselves, perhaps from some scriptures, old sayings, and half-truths. That is why we must know and accept everything God says about Himself in His Own Word.

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 4:20 next time.

I love you.