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What does the Bible say about warning before destruction?

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The Bible teaches that God graciously warns people of coming judgment, calls them to repentance and watchfulness, and will certainly judge unrepentant sin while preserving those who trust Him. Ezekiel 3:17-19 shows the seriousness of faithfully giving God’s warning, since each person is accountable before the Lord. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride leads toward ruin, and Jesus calls His disciples to fear God rightly, remain awake, and be ready for His return in Matthew 10:28 and Matthew 24:42. As in the days of Noah, many may ignore God’s warning until judgment arrives (Matthew 24:37-39). Yet believers may lift their heads in hope, for Christ’s redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ezekiel 3:17-19

    [17] Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. [18] When I tell the wicked, You shall surely die; and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand. [19] Yet if you warn the wicked, and he doesn't turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

  • Proverbs 16:18

    Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

  • Luke 21:28

    But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near."

  • Matthew 10:28

    Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

  • Matthew 24:42

    Watch therefore, for you don't know in what hour your Lord comes.

  • Amos 3:7

    Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing, Unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.

  • James 1:12

    Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.

  • Luke 21:25

    There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;

  • Philippians 3:18-19

    [18] For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

  • Matthew 24:37-39

    [37] "As the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, [39] and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

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