We will be holding Good Friday and Easter Sunday services! Find out more here

The Wrath of God

November 16, 2014 Series: Behold Your God

Passage: Romans 5:9

Context

Last week we learned about the Holiness of God, how He has a perfect moral purity, and His being is totally unique from any creature or creation. A holy God, therefore, is separated from sin and sinners. We need to learn about the wrath of God. While it is not easy, it is necessary. While it is uncomfortable, it also brings comfort. It is better to be aware than unaware.

Certainty of wrath of God

  • Definition of wrath: "God's necessary, just and righteous retribution against sin", "God's response to wrong or injustice - often translated as anger, indignation, vexation or irritation"
  • Taught in OT (Psa 78:58-69, Eze 24:13-14) and NT (Rom 2:5-6)
  • Wrath a part of God's divine nature (Nah 1:2-3b, Rom 11:22)

What would God's wrath look like?

  • Painful and lethal: death and destruction, droughts and disease, extermination and exile etc
  • Has an accumulative dimension (Rom 2:5)
  • Eternal torment (Rev 20:10) for sinners who remain conscious throughout (Lk 16:22-26)

Is the wrath of God just?

  • Revelation to man (Rom 1:18-20)
  • Rejection by man (Rom 1:21-23), who exchanged gift of God for something else
  • Release of Man: God gave man over, withdrawing grace (Rom 1:24-27)

But,
God is compassionate and patient (Eze 33:11). He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, rather that the wicked then from his way and live. He knew we could not save ourselves, and sends Jesus to be a substitute sacrifice for us (1 Jn 4:10, Rom 5:8-9)

What does it mean for us? 
We need to urgently proclaim, not just the idea that God exists, or God is love, but the reality of sin and its consequences.

More in Behold Your God

December 14, 2014

The Sovereignty of God & You

November 9, 2014

The Holiness of God

October 19, 2014

Why Is It Important To Know God?