Thursday, August 9, 2012

The Wrath of God



The Wrath of God

Definition

The wrath of God is His eternal detestation of all unrighteousness. It is the displeasure and indignation of Divine equity against evil. It is the holiness of God stirred into activity against sin. It is the moving cause of that just sentence which He passes upon evil-doers. God is angry against sin because it is a rebelling against His authority, a wrong done to His inviolable sovereignty. Insurrectionists against God’s government shall be made to know that God is the Lord. They shall be made to feel how great that Majesty is which they despise, and how dreadful is that threatened wrath which they so little regarded. Not that God’s anger is a malignant and malicious retaliation, inflicting injury for the sake of it, or in return for injury received. No; while God will vindicate His dominion as Governor of the universe, He will not be vindictive. [1]

Meaning

Therefore, God is no less God because He possesses this divine perfection within His nature. God displays this characteristic of His divine being no differently than He displays any other divine characteristic. God is yet perfect! God does reveal and demonstrate His absolute and divine displeasure against any rebellion toward His nature and character.

Scripture Support

Deuteronomy 32:39-41 (KJV)

“See now that I, even I, am He and there is no god with Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My and. For I lift up My hand to heaven, and say, I live forever. If I whet My glittering sword and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.” 

Psalms 7:11 (NKJV)

“God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.”

Deuteronomy 9:8 (NKJV)

“Also in Horeb you provoked the LORD to wrath, so that the LORD was angry enough with you to have destroyed you.”

Psalm 2:5 (NKJV)

“Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure

Psalm 2:12 (NKJV)

“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”

Psalm 5:5 (NKJV)

“The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; you hate all workers of iniquity.”

Conclusion

God is no less God because His divine nature also contains “wrath.” Although God is restraining His wrath and indignation during this age of grace, there is coming a day when He will unleash His wrath against this earth and mankind. Flee from this wrath that is to come and flee to Christ for protection. Wickedness provokes the wrath of the Holy God of Israel. Fear God and give Him the worship that is due Him and commensurate with His glorious nature.

Application

Meditate frequently on the wrath of God as a divine perfection of His character. Be impressed of God’s hatred for sin and unrighteousness. Develop a true fear of God in your soul, (Hebrews 12:28, 29.) Praise God that if you are in Christ you have been delivered from the wrath of God that is to come upon this earth at any hour, (I Thessalonians 1:10.)


[1] A. W. Pink, The Attributes of God, (Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House), 1975, p.83

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