Increased Crime: A Prophetic Sign?

“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12

In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us an overview of the various signs which would accompany and distinguish the end times, one of which being an increase in lawlessness.

According to the Bible, lawlessness is sin. Here are a few bullet points which expound upon the definition of lawlessness:

• The Bible defines sin as lawlessness, rejecting God’s authority and commandments.
• Lawlessness has its roots in rebellion against God which leads to chaos and disorder in society.
• Human government has a critical role in maintaining order and combating lawlessness.
• Lawlessness is depicted in various Biblical stories, serving as warnings against disobedience.

Delving all the more deeper, we look at the meaning of this word in the Hebrew and Greek which provides us with an even more comprehensive understanding with the lawlessness we are witnessing in society today.

Lawlessness in Hebrew: תִּפְשׁוּעַ
In Hebrew, lawlessness is תִּפְשׁוּעַ (tipshua) which speaks of a rebellion against God’s established order and the action of breaking His commandments which produces chaos and disorder.

Lawlessness in Greek: ἀνομία
In Greek, lawlessness is ἀνομία (anomia) which translates to “without law” or “opposed to the law.” This word emphasizes defiance against divine authority and a rejection of God’s moral standards.

Lawlessness in Biblical Stories
Two stories arise, painting a perfect picture of parallel societies to ours today which lived in lawlessness and experienced the results of their wickedness.

One of the most well-known stories is told to us from the days of Noah where wickedness was normalized amongst the inhabitants of the earth which resulted in the great flood coming upon the earth.

Second to this is seen in the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah who were well known for engaging in sinful behaviors that stood contrary to God’s will. The result? God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating the severe consequences of lawlessness.

Five Forms of Lawlessness in Today’s World

Global Terrorism (2001-Present): The rise of terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda has led to widespread violence, particularly in regions like the Middle East and parts of Africa.

These groups have exploited political instability, leading to lawless environments where brutal acts occur regularly.

Drug Cartel Violence in Mexico (2006-Present): The Mexican government’s crackdown on drug cartels has resulted in extreme violence, with rival cartels engaging in brutal conflicts.

Cities like Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana have seen soaring homicide rates and lawlessness, affecting daily life and governance.

Civil Unrest and Protests (2010-Present): The Arab Spring (2010-2012) sparked widespread protests and revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa. In many cases, the aftermath led to power vacuums and ongoing conflict, notably in Syria, where a civil war has resulted in severe lawlessness and human rights violations.

Cybercrime Surge (2010-Present): The rise of sophisticated cybercriminal activities, including ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure (like the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021), reflects a growing lawlessness in the digital realm.

Cybercriminals often operate with impunity across borders, making enforcement difficult.

Gang Violence in U.S. Cities (2020-Present): In the wake of COVID-19, many U.S. cities have experienced spikes in violent crime, often attributed to gang activity and groups such as Black Lives Matter.

Meanwhile, there has been an increase in gun violence, carjackings, and drug-related crimes which have created an environment of fear and instability in several urban areas.

Signs of the Antichrist Spirit and Those Furthering It

The ultimate rebel, Satan, will empower the “lawless one,” also known as the Antichrist.

Standing in stark contrast to the “lawless one” are the righteous who are called to hate the deeds of lawlessness and abide by the law.

For those who call themselves the sons and daughters of God, it is easy to recognize those who are helping to carry out the antichrist agenda and implement policies to prepare for his emergence.

One of the goals of the antichrist spirit is to make ready the world for a one world government and in order to accomplish this, there must be a global demoralization campaign which is a major element of lawlessness.

Globalists around the world are working towards this end.

Who are these globalists and where are they most concentrated in?

They can most readily be found in institutions and organizations and governments such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the World Economic Forum and many governments who receive directives from these groups.

A recent example of a globalist institution using their influence to control and bully nations is seen in the European Union (EU) who has made their hatred known for nations who value their national sovereignty and uphold their own rule of law.

One nation who has been in the crosshairs of the EU is Hungary.

Hungary is currently being punished and persecuted for implementing righteous laws which establish good order throughout the land. These laws include protecting children from perverse sexual indoctrination in their schools, as well as families from radical LGBTQ ideologies from being normalized throughout the greater society.

Persecuting those who uphold just laws and instead, promote wickedness, is a sign of the antichrist spirit which requires lawlessness to thrive.

This spirit seeks to dominate, control and manipulate as Jesus so clearly outlines for us in Matthew 24.

What This Means For Believers In 2024?

Many in these times who would have been hardened towards hearing the Gospel in years past are experiencing what they believe to be the world falling apart and are desperate for hope!

And for us as believers, we carry the very hope the world is looking for because we know the world isn’t falling apart but rather, it’s falling into place!

Paying attention to this sign of increased lawlessness (wickedness) is a tool that God has given us to point others to the truth!

Jesus didn’t leave us without indicators and explanations of why there is an increase in crime and division and chaos.

As believers, knowing what time in which we are alive is also a reminder for us to be living holy, being that very salt and light in this world because as the days grow darker, we are the ones who will be shining brighter and brighter for Christ.

What an honor and what a privilege to be called the sons and daughters of the Most High in these last days!

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