Whom He will He hardeneth !

[svedbygrace]

Rom 9:17-18

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

That's Preaching so that God's Name might be declared throughout all the Earth, the Truth that "whom he will he hardeneth"

That's Part of the Gospel of God's Grace, that God in His Sovereignty has the right to and does harden men unto destruction, He denies them Mercy unto Salvation,so that they may continue in their native disobedience fitting themselves even more for destruction as vessels of wrath they were made ! Rom 9:19-22

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

God had a right to make and form some men for the purpose of wrath and destruction, Just like He did with Pharaoh, as an Illustration !

God raised him up, gave him existence and being to demonstrate how He makes men for a destructive purpose.

Rom 9:17-18

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

It was God that harden pharaohs heart, Paul is referring to the scripture here Ex 4:21

21 And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Paul"s point here is that God harden Pharaohs heart, and not that pharaoh hardened his own heart since He did not mention that part, but only the part about God hardening his heart !

You see Pharaoh could not resist hardening his own heart because he was under God's Power to do so, that's why These Two things are said #1 Pharaoh had to harden his own heart becauseRom 9:17

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Because God's Power was at work in him causing him to harden his own heart !

#2 To show that he could not resist hardening his own heart because God will was causing itRom 9:19

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

You see that ? That's the logical conclusion of this doctrine of the Gospel, If God is the one really in control causing pharaohs disobedient behavior, then why does God find fault with him ? After all he is only doing what God has caused him to do ! How is that Fair ? Now is not that how most of us think about this situation recorded here if indeed God is causing pharaoh to be disobedient and hardened ?

 

[rainin]

Some vessels are created for honor and some for dishoner.

 

[followjja]

Well it seems that Jesus had something else to say about mercy. Does his vote/voice count?

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Matt 5:7

Note that Jesus said that those who are merciful to others FIRST, those are the ones who will receive mercy. Per Jesus, the Father does not give out mercy on a whim.

This has always been true for all those who have not ever had the chance to hear or read Jesus' words/teachings.

 

[Tintin]

You do realise there are more modern translations than the KJV, don't you? It's not the easiest version to read and understand. I don't know why it's so popular with Americans.

 

[svedbygrace]

Well it seems that Jesus had something else to say about mercy. Does his vote/voice count?

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Matt 5:7

Note that Jesus said that those who are merciful to others FIRST, those are the ones who will receive mercy. Per Jesus, the Father does not give out mercy on a whim.

This has always been true for all those who have not ever had the chance to hear or read Jesus' words/teachings.

Please review the points I made in the OP with me ! Thanks !

 

[svedbygrace]

You do realise there are more modern translations than the KJV, don't you? It's not the easiest version to read and understand. I don't know why it's so popular with Americans.

Please review the points I made in the OP with me ! Thanks !

 

[svedbygrace]

Some vessels are created for honor and some for dishoner.

Please review the points I made in the OP with me ! Thanks !

 

[followjja]

You do realise there are more modern translations than the KJV, don't you? It's not the easiest version to read and understand. I don't know why it's so popular with Americans.

I usually use the ESV with red letter edition. It is much easier to understand. I check others when it doesn't appear to be the most accurate.

 

[followjja]

Please review the points I made in the OP with me ! Thanks !

You don't need to post the same thing 3 times. Jesus words/teachings will last FOREVER.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will not pass away." Matt 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke

 

[svedbygrace]

Whom He will He hardeneth ! 2



Rom 9:19

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

You see, Pharoahs disobedience was according to God's Will, that word will here is the greek word boulēma:

I.will, counsel, purpose

Pharoah's disobedience to God's command to him was according to God's Purpose as it is stated here Eph 1:11

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to thepurpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

God actually willeth, purposed those very things which men are hardened by Him; Thus Paul further writes "who may resist" or withstand or oppose, so those whom God is hardening cannot but harden themselves, its an obvious necessity.

God hardened Pharoah in order that he would not obey His Command, it was the actual purpose and will of God that Pharoah should not obey God's commandment. In the same manner, where we read of those who do not obey the Gospel of God 2 Thess 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

It is God's will that they should not obey it.

God Himself wrought in Pharoah to oppose and disobey the Commandment delivered to him, and so in his disobedience pharoah was doing exactly what God wanted him to do, he did no more than God had wrought in him to do, so Paul writes of him and God's purpose Rom 9:17

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Pharoahs disobedience to God's command was an manifestation of God's Power dynamis working upon him and in him !

So it was not in Pharoahs ability to act otherwise, he had no freewill to oppose, or withstand what God's power was effecting in him.

This is what the ungodly multitude finds hard about God and His Ways that are revealed here in the Truth of scripture, and it causes them to repliest against God, calling Him unjust, a tyrant, a monster and the blasphemies continue on and on, but Paul knowing this, only rebukes the proud arrogant heart of man which is sitting in Judgment against the Purpose of God, and by doing so they are guilty of the most heinous lack of reverence for God ! Judgment day is coming for them ! as Jude writes of them Jude 1:14-15

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Hard speeches like He is a monster, He is Unjust, all because they would not have God to rule over them in their wicked heart, and He did anyway !

 

[svedbygrace]

You don't need to post the same thing 3 times. Jesus words/teachings will last FOREVER.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will not pass away." Matt 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke

I suppose that means NO ! Ok fine !

 

[Least]

Paul was addressing the church here in 1 Cor ch 5. There was a man was in the sin of fornication.

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
1 Corinthians 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

He was speaking about the, "leaven," that was within the body of believers. A little compromise and acceptance of sin within the body would affect the whole church. The book of 2 Timothy Ch. 9, goes on to explain individual vessels and how by purging themselves they could become vessels of honor.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Timothy shows that even an unrighteous vessel can be purged, and made fit for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

There are so many examples throughout the scriptures where People hardened their own hearts.

God had told Moses regarding Egypt and Pharoah:

Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
Exodus 9:15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

In the book of 1 Samuel, Chapters 3-6, there are two examples of the Philistines fearing God because they knew what had taken place in Egypt, and they knew the power of God. I won't post the entire account, but would encourage anyone who wants to read it to do so in order to get the whole picture.(1 Samuel ch. 5 is especially good!)

God showed His power to the Philistines. Their false god "dagon" fell down on it's face twice, the second time even the palms of its hands were cut off and only the stump of Dagon was left. As the chapter goes on, they also see the power of God that was shown in Egypt that they so feared.

The Philistines called for their priests and diviners to consult over what they should do.

They tell them send the Ark back....and also ask this:

1 Samuel 6:6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?

So as you can see, God had a purpose in every way involving Egypt, Pharaoh and all of the mighty works done there.

Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

There are so many examples throughout the word of God where people hardened their own hearts. Even in the wilderness...there are several examples.

A study on the "heart," will show many more examples of these types of things.

God doesn't wish that any should perish but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

[SeaBass]

Paul was addressing the church here in 1 Cor ch 5. There was a man was in the sin of fornication.

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
1 Corinthians 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

He was speaking about the, "leaven," that was within the body of believers. A little compromise and acceptance of sin within the body would affect the whole church. The book of 2 Timothy Ch. 9, goes on to explain individual vessels and how by purging themselves they could become vessels of honor.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Timothy shows that even an unrighteous vessel can be purged, and made fit for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

There are so many examples throughout the scriptures where People hardened their own hearts.

God had told Moses regarding Egypt and Pharoah:

Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
Exodus 9:15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

In the book of 1 Samuel, Chapters 3-6, there are two examples of the Philistines fearing God because they knew what had taken place in Egypt, and they knew the power of God. I won't post the entire account, but would encourage anyone who wants to read it to do so in order to get the whole picture.(1 Samuel ch. 5 is especially good!)

God showed His power to the Philistines. Their false god "dagon" fell down on it's face twice, the second time even the palms of its hands were cut off and only the stump of Dagon was left. As the chapter goes on, they also see the power of God that was shown in Egypt that they so feared.

The Philistines called for their priests and diviners to consult over what they should do.

They tell them send the Ark back....and also ask this:

1 Samuel 6:6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?

So as you can see, God had a purpose in every way involving Egypt, Pharaoh and all of the mighty works done there.

Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

There are so many examples throughout the word of God where people hardened their own hearts. Even in the wilderness...there are several examples.

A study on the "heart," will show many more examples of these types of things.

God doesn't wish that any should perish but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth.

Calvinists quote Rom 9:22. If God before the world began predetermined these Jews to be lost (vessels of wrath) then why did Paul in Rom 10 say they they could still be saved if they would just submit to the righteousness of God, Rom 10:1-3? How could the Jews that were God's chosen/elect people under the OT law ever become vessels of wrath?

 

[Least]

Calvinists quote Rom 9:22. If God before the world began predetermined these Jews to be lost (vessels of wrath) then why did Paul in Rom 10 say they they could still be saved if they would just submit to the righteousness of God, Rom 10:1-3? How could the Jews that were God's chosen/elect people under the OT law ever become vessels of wrath?

When ever there was lack of instruction, judgment and obedience, wrath did come upon the children of Israel.
It was only when they turned back to God that things changed for the better.

If you think about it, we all were once "vessels of wrath," before we believed in Christ.

Romans ch. 9:22 is a good example of why we need to examine all of the scriptures to understand what Paul is saying.

The entire chapter is amazing.

The chapter goes into the bound and the free, with several examples of two sons.

Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Romans 9:9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.
Romans 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;
Romans 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

There were two covenants

Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

One covenant made with the son born of the bondwoman, (Hagar) and one with the son of the free woman, (Sarah.)

Romans 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Romans 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

So the covenant," which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar," Is directly connected to the covenant made with Abraham regarding Ishmael. "The son of the bondwoman."

Galatians 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh;.......(Ishamael, the son of Hagar.)

...but he of the freewoman was by promise. (Isaac, the son of Sarai.)

The son of the bondwoman born after the flesh is a picture of all who are born into this sinful world who live by the flesh. (Under the law and judged by the law.)

The freewoman is a picture of those made free in Christ. (Not free to sin, but those who overcome this world by abiding in HIM.) And the promises are given in the first half of Dueteronomy Ch. 28, as well as the curses of sin.

The two covenants are listed in Genesis 17:18

Genesis 17:18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 17:21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

This was also spoken to Hagar in the desert: (The bond woman,) (See the flesh in that passage?)

Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
Genesis 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
Galatians 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. (Even now we know that we can only be made free in Christ.)

And we see throughout scriptures, that Israel fell away from God and into sin several times making the majority of them vessels of wrath. (There were still Prophets sent to turn their hearts back to God.)

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Born again: First born of the flesh...then in Christ, planted together in the likeness of His death...

Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.


Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 

[SeaBass]

When ever there was lack of instruction, judgment and obedience, wrath did come upon the children of Israel.
It was only when they turned back to God that things changed for the better.

If you think about it, we all were once "vessels of wrath," before we believed in Christ.

Romans ch. 9:22 is a good example of why we need to examine all of the scriptures to understand what Paul is saying.

The entire chapter is amazing.

1 Thess 2:

[SUP]15 [/SUP]Who (Jews) both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

The Jews own choice in disobeying God brought God's wrath upon them, so God's wrath upon them was not some random, unconditional wrath God had upon those Jews before the world began.

Rom 9:22 "What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:"


Calvinists want to argue that the verb "fitted" is passive voice that God fitted them to destruction. Fitted can also be be middle voice in that the Jews fitted themselves for destruction as seen in 1 Thess 2:15,16. Even in the passive voice, God fitted them to destruction, it was not somerthing God did randomly, unconditionally before the world began, but something God did as a result of the Jews disobedience, they marred in God's hands so He fashioned them to be vessels of wrath.

 

[svedbygrace]

seabass

Calvinists want to argue that the verb "fitted" is passive voice that God fitted them to destruction. Fitted can also be be middle voice in that the Jews fitted themselves for destruction

Its both, that's the whole point, Since God's Will is at work in the creature, whose power is Almighty, then the creatures will can do nothing but conform to what the will of the Almighty's will is. So the vessels of wrath fit themselves for destruction because God fits them to destruction !

 

[crossnote]

Calvinists quote Rom 9:22. If God before the world began predetermined these Jews to be lost (vessels of wrath) then why did Paul in Rom 10 say they they could still be saved if they would just submit to the righteousness of God, Rom 10:1-3? How could the Jews that were God's chosen/elect people under the OT law ever become vessels of wrath?

Not all are. There is an elect remnant of Jews according to grace.Remember Elijah's complaint and God's response.

 

[SeaBass]

Not all are. There is an elect remnant of Jews according to grace.Remember Elijah's complaint and God's response.

The remnant of Jews are the ones that obeyed Peter in acts 2, and became spiritual Jews, Christians which are God's elect now, Rom 2:28,29

 

[Least]

1 Thess 2:

[SUP]15 [/SUP]Who (Jews) both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

The Jews own choice in disobeying God brought God's wrath upon them, so God's wrath upon them was not some random, unconditional wrath God had upon those Jews before the world began.

Rom 9:22 "What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:"


Calvinists want to argue that the verb "fitted" is passive voice that God fitted them to destruction. Fitted can also be be middle voice in that the Jews fitted themselves for destruction as seen in 1 Thess 2:15,16. Even in the passive voice, God fitted them to destruction, it was not somerthing God did randomly, unconditionally before the world began, but something God did as a result of the Jews disobedience, they marred in God's hands so He fashioned them to be vessels of wrath.

I don't know a lot about Calvinists. I've looked a little bit into their "Tulip" teaching...but that's about it.

But I agree with you, people harden their own hearts. King Saul did...he never repented, never changed, and even waxed worse by consulting the witch of Endor. We can even see that the further he got away from God, the worse his mind became. He didn't seem to have a heart for God at all. Every time he spoke to Samuel, he refereed to God as, "the Lord your God."

David made several mistakes too, but as we can see in Psalms, he called on God's name often, and repented for his sins. He did have a heart for God.

Leviticus 26:21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
Leviticus 26:22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
Leviticus 26:23 And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;
Leviticus 26:24 Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

It was because of their own hearts to begin with.

 

[Least]

Ecclesiastes 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.