What Does It Mean to Be at Enmity with God?
The Bible teaches that sin separates people from God. Enmity with God means being in opposition to Him, living in rebellion against His will. Romans 8:7 states, "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." This verse shows that a sinful nature naturally resists God.
When someone is at enmity with God, they are not neutral. They actively resist His commands, choosing self over submission to Him. This hostility can be seen in actions, attitudes, and even beliefs that reject His authority.
How Did Enmity with God Begin?
Enmity with God started in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree He forbade (Genesis 3). Their sin introduced separation from God. Since then, every person is born with a sinful nature that opposes Him.
James 4:4 warns, "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." This means loving worldly values over God’s ways puts people in opposition to Him.
The Signs of Enmity with God
Enmity with God is evident in several ways:
- Rejection of God’s Word – Ignoring or twisting Scripture to fit personal desires.
- Living in Sin – Choosing sinful habits without repentance.
- Pride and Self-Sufficiency – Believing one does not need God.
- Hostility Toward Christ – Denying Jesus' role as Savior and Lord.
- Love for Worldly Things – Prioritizing material success, pleasure, or personal ambition over God’s kingdom.
The Consequences of Being an Enemy of God
Being at enmity with God is serious. The Bible describes several consequences:
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Separation from God | Sin breaks fellowship with Him (Isaiah 59:2). |
| Spiritual Blindness | Those in sin cannot understand God’s truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). |
| God’s Wrath | Those who reject Christ remain under judgment (John 3:36). |
| Eternal Death | Without repentance, enmity with God leads to hell (Romans 6:23). |
How to Be Reconciled with God
The good news is that enmity with God is not permanent. Through Jesus Christ, reconciliation is possible.
1. Recognize Your Sin
Admitting sin and its consequences is the first step. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
2. Trust in Christ’s Sacrifice
Jesus died to remove the barrier between us and God. Romans 5:10 states, "For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"
3. Repent and Turn to God
Repentance means turning away from sin and toward God. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
4. Live in Obedience to God
Those reconciled to God should walk in His ways. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Living in Peace with God
Once reconciled, believers must maintain their relationship with God. This includes:
- Prayer and Worship – Regularly communicating with God.
- Studying Scripture – Learning and obeying His Word.
- Fellowship with Believers – Encouraging and being accountable to others in faith.
- Resisting Temptation – Relying on God’s strength to overcome sin.
Final Thoughts
Being at enmity with God is a serious condition, but through Jesus, anyone can find peace with Him. Those who surrender to Christ move from being God’s enemies to being His children. Romans 5:1 assures, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
