The Rise of Perversion
Perversion is on the rise, and sexually immoral behavior has become increasingly acceptable and even popular. Extreme forms of sexual deviance have gone from being shunned to being celebrated, and mainstream entertainment and education are steadily advancing toward the promotion of debauchery.
In 2018, the American media organization TED, known for its “TED Talks,” featured a researcher advocating for sympathy of pedophilia. TED, globally recognized for its research, education and thought leadership on a variety of topics, hosted a speaker suggesting that adult sex with children should be accepted as normal. At the time of this writing, Apple iTunes’ most streamed song was “WAP” whose lyrics are so sexually vulgar that they can barely be read without cringing, much less sung aloud. The common rationale is that the naturalness of sex makes all of its forms natural, and nothing is further from the truth. There are clearly unnatural ways to do natural things.
It is worth remembering that such behavior has always been present among those who refuse to accept Jesus, but its timing, degree of significance and level of acceptance is a key development of the end times. To dismiss perversion because it has always existed is to miss the revelation it provides about the societies in which it persists. Romans 1 addresses the moral corruption and perversion of the world at large.
Romans 1:16-32
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 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. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 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. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 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. 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: 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. 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; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 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.
The world has a tendency to become engrossed in sin; It has been that way since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. Romans 1 is actually illustrating the deeper causes and results of pervasive wickedness. The first thing this passage teaches is that there is an existing connection between the wickedness of men’s hearts and the actions they commit. In fact, the seemingly unending list of evil deeds mentioned in Romans chapter 1 are simply the uncontrollable actions of those who God has released to their own corruption. When you desire sin despite the evidence of God’s disapproval of it, His only option is to let you have your way. The desire within the hearts of evildoers is to take the truth of God and twist it to their own advantage, and as a result, they are condemned by their own ’twisted’ behaviors.
From a careful reading of this chapter, it becomes evident that the rise of sexual deviance is not so much a cause of judgment as it is the beginning of judgment itself. Rampant evil is the result of the world’d insistence on willful sin, despite the visible evidence of God’s will surrounding them. Therefore, the first thing that that the modern rise of perversion signifies is the choice of men to live according to their own evil desires, and the time for mercy is running out.
Still, overall sin is not the specific and final straw that precedes the commencement of judgment. Romans 1 is only part of the story. As its final verse transitions into Romans 2, the exact cause for judgment’s initiation becomes clear.
Romans 2:1-6
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
The transition into Romans 2 reveals that those who judge evildoers in from a position of self-righteousness are the real offender, and they attempt to hide the truth that they are participating in the same sin. As the Bible teaches us, character and integrity cannot be faked. We are divinely designed so that our hearts are reflected by our actions, and that cannot be circumvented or manipulated even by those who understand that this relationship exists. As we move forward, we will analyze the greater revelation that perversion is allowed by God to expose the hypocrisy of those who suppose they can pass judgment on others while living in unrighteousness themselves.
Lying Tongues
The Bible tells us in several places that the things we do align with the kingdoms we are a part of. We behave in obedience to our heart’s allegiance. One particular passage in Proverbs expresses this in very peculiar fashion.
Proverbs 27:19
“19As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.”
Proverbs 27:19 is a peculiar scripture who’s meaning is somewhat difficult to understand, but its basic meaning is this: Just as one can look into a mirror and see his own face and appearance, the heart of any man is reflected on that man. In other words, the heart which we can’t see is reflected or revealed in the actions that we can. This relationship is created by God, and people have no idea how little control they have over their own physical actions, if any.
We are inseparably connected to our heart’s intent so that the physical things we do become like mirrors of our heart or spirit, and it all begins with our tongue. It can be concluded that the things we say begin to reveal who we are. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, so it is imperative that we listen and especially to ourselves. Not only should we listen for indications of our heart’s condition, but we should seek immediate help from the Father, because the words we say (and ultimately fthe deeds we perform) defile our bodies and determine our eternal destiny.
Most interestingly, those aware of God’s laws and this arrangement are aware that their tongue is the first place our heart expresses itself (Romans 10:9). For example, it’s how we are saved. Therefore, the tongue is also the first place where hypocrites attempt to mislead others about the spirit and intentions. Lies are the first manifestations of hypocrisy, and a hypocrite not only speaks them but lives them.
But hypocrites for one important thing—It is the Lord who has designed our actions and tongues give our hearts away. Since God’s word cannot return to Him void, a liar always exposed themselves.
James 3:1-10
“1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
The tongue cannot be tamed, no matter how much a hypocrite things they can control the words of their mouths. It typically operates according to the heart whether it be good or evil, but hypocrites attempt to break that connection. When James says, “these things ought not so to be,” he is almost speaking in bewilderment at the idea that one can speak good words while having a heart of evil. This is why a lying tongue is one of the things the Lord detests.
Proverbs 6:17-18
16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Lying is simply an attempt to tame or control the tongue when God has warned us that this is impossible. The only one with power over the tongue is the Holy Spirit. This is one of the explanations for why new converts often speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:4), and James 1 provides further explanation.
James 1:19-26
“19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
Both our words and our actions are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The only way to do good is by Him, and with Him, we are hearers only and not doers. In the end, God is not mocked, and the principles of His word ring true even in those who attempt to cheat it. Time ultimately reveals those who operate in lies and hypocrisy. Liars are always exposed in the end.
Galatians 6:3-7
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Forcing The Heart Issue
Matthew 15:8-20 (Out of the heart)
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. 16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
The heart is what we are judged by, but it is our actions that set judgment into motion. In the justice systems of our physical world, a desire to kill is a major problem, but those thoughts cannot be prosecuted without any action. In much the same way, God sees our the hearts, but the execution of punishment only occurs as a result of actual words and deeds. In this way our works become the evidence that eliminates our excuses while exposing us to others. God knows how to test the heart or “try the reins” so that the issues of the heart are forced to the surface.
Jeremiah 17:9-10
“9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
In other words, the Lord creates scenarios that provoke action beyond mental control. The actions of a righteous heart are righteous, revealing the character of God and also the path to eternal salvation. The actions of a wicked heart are wicked, revealing the deeds of darkness and the path to eternal damnation. Without God’s situational provocation, we could permanently hide behind fake works. But the Lord knows how to draw our heart out of hiding so that we are unable to resist saying—and ultimately doing—what it desires.
As with the story of the father and his possessed son, the Lord creates environments that are intended to expose the the perversion and iniquity of a self-righteous, religious crowd, and that is why he called them perverse. This is why perversion rises, and it is why it is rising now. Those who operate in darkness have no power to cast it out of others. Those who are perverse themselves have no authority of the spirit of perversion, and God will make sure it is recognized.
The rise in worldly perversion is used to expose the existence of religious perversion (aka hypocrisy), and THIS is what immediately precedes judgment.
Hypocrisy is an attempt to “hold the truth in unrighteousness.” It’s like trying to hold two ropes to two horses facing opposite directions. The minute the environment spooks them, you had better let go or be torn trying to hold on to them both. Hypocrites cannot operate in sin and hold the truth of scripture forever, and in time, they are exposed. The longer you try to hide the condition of your heart, the harder it becomes and the more foolish you appear.
Hypocrisy has no authority and religious hypocrites have no spiritual authority. So great corruption often signifies a great deficiency of Holy Spirit power.
The Rise of David
The glorious truth is that perversion is usually the “Goliath” God uses to bring forth his “Davids.” His chosen remnant, tending and protecting sheep in humility must come forth to provide the victory that the religious elite never could.
John 8:1-11
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost is the only end for Hypocrites. Those who are unwilling to let go of sin must attempt to attribute it to God. In other words, denying the existence of God is self-defeating to religious hypocrites, so they must convince people that God is the author of their wickedness. This is blasphemy—when evil people paint evil as good and good as evil.
Matthew 12:31-37 (out of the abundance of the heart)
31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
