The Righteous Wrath of God and the Cross

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans 1:18, we delve into the profound and often challenging doctrine of the wrath of God. This doctrine, though frequently avoided or misunderstood, is a crucial aspect of biblical teaching. The wrath of God is not akin to human rage or uncontrolled anger; rather, it is God's holy and just response to sin. It is His righteous indignation against all that is contrary to His nature and will. Understanding this is essential for a complete grasp of the gospel, as the revelation of God's righteousness is inseparable from the revelation of His wrath.

The wrath of God is revealed in various ways. It is evident in the conscience of humanity, where an innate sense of right and wrong and the expectation of justice reside. It is also manifested in the consequences of sin, both physical and spiritual, as well as in the state of creation itself, which bears the marks of the fall. History, both biblical and general, provides numerous examples of God's wrath, from the flood to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the exile of Israel. These events serve as reminders of God's judgment against sin.

The ultimate revelation of God's wrath, however, is found in the cross of Christ. Here, God's hatred of sin and His love for sinners converge. The cross demonstrates that God's justice required the punishment of sin, which Christ bore on our behalf. This profound truth underscores the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love, as He provided a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him through the sacrifice of His Son.

The resurrection of Christ further affirms this doctrine, as it points to the coming judgment and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness. The Bible consistently teaches that God's wrath is both immediate and eternal, with final judgment awaiting those who reject His offer of salvation. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a greater urgency in sharing the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The wrath of God is a fundamental biblical doctrine, revealing His holy and just response to sin. It is not human-like rage but a righteous indignation against all that opposes His nature. Understanding this is crucial for a complete grasp of the gospel. [03:17]

- God's wrath is revealed in the conscience of humanity, where an innate sense of right and wrong resides. This moral compass, along with the expectation of justice, is a testament to God's revelation of His wrath against sin. [09:42]

- The cross of Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's wrath, where His justice and love converge. Christ bore the punishment for sin, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love for sinners. [28:07]

- The resurrection of Christ affirms the doctrine of God's wrath, pointing to the coming judgment and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the eternal consequences of sin and the hope of salvation. [32:48]

- God's wrath is both immediate and eternal, with final judgment awaiting those who reject His offer of salvation. This understanding should lead to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a greater urgency in sharing the gospel. [36:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Romans 1:18
- [00:52] - The Essential Doctrine of God's Wrath
- [02:22] - Understanding God's Wrath
- [03:37] - God's Hatred of Sin
- [05:18] - The Revelation of God's Wrath
- [09:42] - Conscience as a Revelation
- [12:09] - Consequences of Sin
- [15:26] - Universality of Death
- [17:14] - Biblical History of God's Wrath
- [22:38] - General History and God's Wrath
- [27:47] - The Cross as the Ultimate Revelation
- [32:48] - Resurrection and Judgment
- [36:59] - Eternal Consequences of Sin
- [39:18] - The Gift of Righteousness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 1:18
- Genesis 3:17-19
- Romans 8:18-22

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's wrath compared to human anger? ([03:17])
2. What are some historical examples mentioned in the sermon that illustrate God's wrath? ([17:14])
3. According to the sermon, how is God's wrath revealed in the conscience of humanity? ([09:42])
4. What role does the cross of Christ play in the revelation of God's wrath, as discussed in the sermon? ([28:07])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it important to understand the doctrine of God's wrath in relation to the gospel, as emphasized in the sermon? ([07:31])
2. How does the sermon explain the connection between God's wrath and the consequences of sin in creation? ([13:42])
3. In what ways does the resurrection of Christ affirm the doctrine of God's wrath, according to the sermon? ([32:48])
4. How does the sermon suggest that the understanding of God's wrath should influence our urgency in sharing the gospel? ([36:59])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you misunderstood the concept of God's wrath. How has this sermon changed your perspective? ([03:17])
2. The sermon mentions that God's wrath is revealed in our conscience. How do you personally experience this sense of right and wrong in your daily life? ([09:42])
3. Consider the historical examples of God's wrath discussed in the sermon. How do these examples impact your understanding of God's justice today? ([17:14])
4. The cross is described as the ultimate revelation of God's wrath and love. How does this understanding affect your view of Christ's sacrifice? ([28:07])
5. The sermon emphasizes the eternal consequences of rejecting God's salvation. How does this influence your approach to evangelism and sharing your faith? ([36:59])
6. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's grace in light of His wrath, as discussed in the sermon? ([36:59])
7. How can you apply the understanding of God's wrath and righteousness in your personal walk with God and interactions with others? ([07:31])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Wrath as Righteous Indignation
The wrath of God is a fundamental biblical doctrine that reveals His holy and just response to sin. Unlike human anger, which can be impulsive and unjust, God's wrath is a righteous indignation against all that opposes His nature. Understanding this aspect of God's character is crucial for a complete grasp of the gospel. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine justice. God's wrath is not an arbitrary display of power but a consistent and holy reaction to sin, which is contrary to His perfect nature. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a greater urgency in sharing the gospel. [03:17]

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." (Romans 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you misunderstood or avoided the concept of God's wrath? How can you seek a deeper understanding of this doctrine in your spiritual journey today?


Day 2: Conscience as a Testament to God's Wrath
God's wrath is revealed in the conscience of humanity, where an innate sense of right and wrong resides. This moral compass, along with the expectation of justice, is a testament to God's revelation of His wrath against sin. Every person has an inherent understanding of justice and morality, which points to the divine law written on their hearts. This internal witness serves as a reminder of God's holy standard and the reality of His judgment against sin. Recognizing this can lead to a greater awareness of our need for God's grace and forgiveness. [09:42]

"They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them." (Romans 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: How does your conscience reflect God's moral law? Are there areas in your life where you need to align more closely with His standards today?


Day 3: The Cross as the Ultimate Revelation of God's Wrath
The cross of Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's wrath, where His justice and love converge. At the cross, Christ bore the punishment for sin, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love for sinners. This profound truth underscores the necessity of Christ's sacrifice and the extent of God's grace. The cross is a powerful reminder of the cost of sin and the incredible love of God, who provided a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him through the sacrifice of His Son. [28:07]

"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Christ's sacrifice on the cross impact your understanding of sin and grace? What steps can you take to live in light of this truth today?


Day 4: Resurrection and the Triumph of God's Righteousness
The resurrection of Christ affirms the doctrine of God's wrath, pointing to the coming judgment and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the eternal consequences of sin and the hope of salvation. The resurrection is not only a testament to Christ's victory over death but also a promise of the future judgment where God's justice will be fully realized. This understanding should inspire believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the hope and assurance found in Christ. [32:48]

"For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:31, ESV)

Reflection: How does the resurrection of Christ influence your view of justice and eternity? In what ways can you live with a greater focus on eternal realities today?


Day 5: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
God's wrath is both immediate and eternal, with final judgment awaiting those who reject His offer of salvation. This understanding should lead to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a greater urgency in sharing the gospel. The reality of God's judgment and the eternal consequences of sin highlight the importance of evangelism and the need to share the message of salvation with others. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the hope and truth of the gospel with a world in need. [36:59]

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the gospel? How can you intentionally share the hope of Christ with them this week?

Quotes

The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness. This is a very important point. We can no more prove by ordinary arguments the wrath of God than we can prove the gospel of God's Redeeming Grace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:05:12]

The wrath of God means God's view of sin, God's hatred of sin, and God in his Justice and his righteousness dealing with sin and punishing sin. Now that is what is taught about this matter in the Bible. Now there is no need to argue about this, although we could argue very easily. [00:40:00]

The wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness is actually revealed in the conscience. The fact that all men have a sense of right and wrong is a part of this revelation of the wrath of God. Not only that, all men have a sense that evil should be punished. [00:09:44]

The consequences of sin are a manifestation of this also. When I say consequences, I'm thinking partly of physical consequences. You break certain laws, and you'll suffer for it. Put your finger in the fire, and you'll suffer for it. That's a law of nature. [00:12:09]

The whole state of creation and of nature is a revelation of God's Wrath against sin. Do you remember what I read about thorns and thistles? Thorns and thistles in creation are the result of sin. It's a part of the punishment of sin. It's a part of God's wrath against it. [00:15:26]

Death is universal, and that, of course, is again a theme that the Apostle himself takes up in the fifth chapter of this epistle to the Romans. You see, this whole epistle, as I've indicated several times, is really nothing but an exposition of what the Apostle is telling us here. [00:17:14]

The cross of Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's wrath, where His justice and love converge. Christ bore the punishment for sin, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love for sinners. This profound truth underscores the seriousness of sin. [00:27:47]

There is nothing in history anywhere which in any way approximates to this as a revelation of the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. That is why, my friends, you do a greater Injustice to the Cross when you sentimentalize it almost than when you deny it. [00:28:07]

The resurrection is a proclamation of what, amongst other things? It is a proclamation of the fact that the world is to be judged in righteousness, that the wrath of God is to be revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, and that Christ is the judge. [00:32:48]

God's wrath may be manifested against sin immediately, Here and Now, often has been, as I've shown you from history, still is quite frequently, but not always. Sometimes it is postponed. There's a very interesting statement about this in 1 Timothy 5, verse 24. [00:36:59]

God's punishment of sin is eternal. If you believe in eternal life, You Must Believe In Eternal destruction. The parallels are used everywhere in the scripture. There is nothing in the scripture about another chance, another hope, another opportunity Beyond Death. [00:37:39]

The wrath of God belongs with the love of God and the salvation of God in Christ. It has been revealed. Man doesn't like it; he never would have thought it out. He hates it, but our preaching does not depend upon men nor his reason nor his understanding nor his likes nor dislikes. [00:40:03]

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Transcript
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