Understanding God's Wrath: Justice, Love, and the Cross
Summary
In today's exploration of the often-avoided topic of God's wrath, we delve into its biblical foundation and significance. The wrath of God, though controversial and frequently downplayed in modern Christian discourse, is a crucial aspect of understanding God's character and the gospel. Wrath is defined as deep, intense anger and indignation, a response to injustice and sin. It is not a capricious or uncontrolled outburst but a righteous and moral reaction to wrongdoing. The reluctance to address this topic stems from a misunderstanding of God's nature, where some perceive wrath as incompatible with a loving God. However, this perspective fails to recognize that God's wrath is an expression of His justice and holiness.
The New Testament, contrary to popular belief, is replete with references to God's wrath, as seen in the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and other apostles. This doctrine is not confined to the Old Testament but is a pervasive theme throughout the Bible. The wrath of God is not only a response to sin but also a backdrop that magnifies the grace and love of God. Without understanding the severity of God's wrath, the depth of His grace and the significance of the cross are diminished. The cross, where Jesus bore the wrath of God, is the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and mercy. It is through Christ's sacrifice that believers are spared from the wrath they deserve, highlighting the profound nature of God's love.
Key Takeaways:
- God's wrath is a righteous and moral response to sin and injustice, not an uncontrolled outburst. It is an essential aspect of His character, reflecting His holiness and justice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and grace, as they are set against the backdrop of His righteous indignation. [02:46]
- The New Testament, including the teachings of Jesus and Paul, frequently addresses the wrath of God, debunking the myth that it is solely an Old Testament concept. Recognizing this helps us see the continuity of God's character throughout the Bible and the importance of His justice in the gospel narrative. [12:07]
- God's wrath is not incompatible with His love; rather, it complements it. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of this, where Jesus bore the wrath of God on behalf of sinners. This act of substitutionary atonement reveals the depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin. [42:07]
- The doctrine of God's wrath is crucial for understanding the gospel. Without acknowledging God's wrath, the significance of grace and the necessity of the cross are lost. The gospel is the good news precisely because it addresses the bad news of sin and judgment. [46:02]
- Embracing the doctrine of God's wrath leads to a fuller appreciation of His grace. It challenges us to trust in God's self-revelation and to submit to His authority, even when faced with difficult truths. This submission deepens our faith and understanding of God's character. [09:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to God's Wrath
[01:14] - Defining God's Wrath
[02:21] - The Modern Church's View
[04:31] - Defending God's Wrath
[06:53] - Wrath and God's Character
[09:07] - Trusting God's Self-Revelation
[12:07] - New Testament Evidence
[16:10] - Establishing Wrath in Scripture
[18:55] - Romans and God's Wrath
[22:31] - Ephesians and Hebrews
[25:08] - Revelation's Depiction
[28:15] - Explaining Wrath
[31:30] - Objects of God's Wrath
[35:11] - Qualities of God's Wrath
[39:35] - Christological Perspective
[42:07] - The Cross and Wrath
[46:02] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding God's Wrath
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:18-21
2. Ephesians 5:6
3. Revelation 14:10
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 1:18-21, what is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men? How does this passage describe the knowledge of God among people? [18:55]
2. In Ephesians 5:6, what warning does Paul give about being deceived, and what is the consequence mentioned? [22:31]
3. Revelation 14:10 describes a vivid image of God's wrath. What are the elements of this imagery, and what does it signify about the nature of God's judgment? [25:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the modern church's approach to the topic of God's wrath, and what are the implications of this approach? [04:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of God's wrath as a moral and righteous response to sin challenge common perceptions of God's character? [10:41]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's wrath and His love, especially in the context of the cross? [42:07]
3. How does the sermon explain the continuity of God's character in both the Old and New Testaments concerning His wrath? [12:07]
4. In what ways does the sermon argue that acknowledging God's wrath is essential for a full understanding of the gospel? [46:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with the concept of God's wrath. How did this affect your understanding of His love and justice? How might this sermon help you reconcile these attributes? [09:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God's self-revelation, even when faced with difficult truths. How can you practice this trust in your daily life, especially when confronted with challenging doctrines? [09:22]
3. Consider the idea that God's wrath magnifies His grace. How does this perspective change the way you view the significance of the cross and your own salvation? [42:07]
4. How can you engage in conversations about God's wrath with others who may have a different or limited understanding of this aspect of His character? What approach would you take to ensure the conversation is both truthful and loving? [15:12]
5. The sermon suggests that ignoring the doctrine of God's wrath can lead to a diminished appreciation of His grace. How can you ensure that your personal study and understanding of the Bible maintain a balanced view of God's attributes? [46:02]
6. How does the reality of God's wrath influence your perspective on justice and morality in the world today? Are there specific actions you feel called to take in response to this understanding? [11:46]
7. Reflect on the statement that God's wrath is not an uncontrolled outburst but a righteous response to sin. How does this understanding impact your view of God's character and your relationship with Him? [05:45]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Wrath as Righteous Indignation
God's wrath is not an uncontrolled outburst but a righteous and moral response to sin and injustice. It reflects His holiness and justice, serving as a backdrop to His love and grace. Understanding this aspect of God's character helps us appreciate the depth of His love, as His grace is magnified against the backdrop of His righteous indignation. This understanding challenges us to see God's wrath not as a contradiction to His love but as a complement to it, revealing the seriousness of sin and the profound nature of His grace. [02:46]
Nahum 1:2-3 (ESV): "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty."
Reflection: Consider a situation where you have witnessed or experienced injustice. How does understanding God's wrath as a righteous response to injustice change your perspective on that situation?
Day 2: Continuity of God's Character
The New Testament, including the teachings of Jesus and Paul, frequently addresses the wrath of God, debunking the myth that it is solely an Old Testament concept. Recognizing this helps us see the continuity of God's character throughout the Bible and the importance of His justice in the gospel narrative. This continuity assures us that God's nature is unchanging, and His justice is a consistent theme that underscores the need for redemption through Christ. [12:07]
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (ESV): "In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might."
Reflection: Reflect on how the continuity of God's character from the Old to the New Testament impacts your understanding of His justice and love. How does this influence your view of the gospel?
Day 3: Wrath and Love in Harmony
God's wrath is not incompatible with His love; rather, it complements it. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of this, where Jesus bore the wrath of God on behalf of sinners. This act of substitutionary atonement reveals the depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin. Understanding this harmony between wrath and love helps us grasp the full significance of the cross and the profound nature of God's grace. [42:07]
Isaiah 53:5-6 (ESV): "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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus bearing God's wrath on the cross deepen your appreciation for His love and sacrifice? What does this mean for your personal relationship with Him today?
Day 4: The Gospel's Foundation in Wrath
The doctrine of God's wrath is crucial for understanding the gospel. Without acknowledging God's wrath, the significance of grace and the necessity of the cross are lost. The gospel is the good news precisely because it addresses the bad news of sin and judgment. Embracing this doctrine helps us see the full picture of salvation and the depth of God's love in providing a way for us to be reconciled to Him. [46:02]
Romans 5:9-10 (ESV): "Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
Reflection: In what ways does acknowledging God's wrath enhance your understanding of the gospel? How can this understanding influence the way you share the gospel with others?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Self-Revelation
Embracing the doctrine of God's wrath leads to a fuller appreciation of His grace. It challenges us to trust in God's self-revelation and to submit to His authority, even when faced with difficult truths. This submission deepens our faith and understanding of God's character, encouraging us to rely on His wisdom and justice rather than our own understanding. [09:22]
Job 42:2-3 (ESV): "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know."
Reflection: What difficult truths about God's character do you struggle to accept? How can you practice trusting in His self-revelation and submitting to His authority in those areas today?
Quotes
The wrath of God is not on the top 10 list of the most frequently preached messages in the church and even when the gospel is being preached and being preached rather faithfully you can find the subject of the wrath and judgment of God being muted in the preaching of gospel believing Bible preaching churches. [00:00:56]
The modern habit throughout the Christian church is to play this subject down. Those who still believe in the wrath of God, not all do, say little about it. Perhaps they do not think much about it. To an age which has unashamedly sold itself to the gods of greed, pride, sex, and self-will, the church mumbles on about God's kindness but says virtually nothing about his judgment. [00:03:07]
The doctrine of the wrath of God sets the stage for our appreciation of the love and grace of God in a way that no other doctrine could. And so for those reasons, I want to commend you even if your heart trembles before the awesome truth of the wrath of God to stay open to the Word of God, to be instructed by the Word of God, and to have your view of God shaped by God's words and not your own unwarranted fears about the truth of God's words about himself. [00:15:24]
Wrath is the natural expression of God's holiness and righteousness in the face of wrong and evil. It originates from the character of God. It is not forced upon him by external circumstances, but he is wholly consistent with his divine being, perfections, and if he were not to manifest wrath against injustice and unrighteousness, if he were not to be angry and indignant with wrong, would not be the God of the Bible. [00:28:22]
God's wrath is an exercise of his justice. It is not a function of cruelty. Wrath is not a function of cruel, irascible, capricious, uncontrolled anger. It is the expression of moral indignation against that which is wrong. And my friends, when we cease to be morally indignant about wrong, and we're getting there in America, we are not more, we are less loving. [00:10:34]
The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness because that which is known about God is evident within them, for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes, his eternal power, and divine nature had been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. [00:18:55]
The wrath of God is visited against people. There are three main categories of people who are the objects of the wrath of God in the scriptures. In the Old Testament especially, it is stressed that the nations are the object of the wrath of God. Have you read the prophets lately, the words of God's judgment against the nations? He will visit his wrath against the nations who have rebelled against him. [00:31:38]
The wrath of God is not an isolated doctrine. It's not an Old Testament doctrine. It's not an unimportant doctrine. It's a pervasive doctrine not only in the Old Testament but in the New Testament. But how does wrath work? How do we explain wrath? Well, let me talk with you for a few moments about the origin of wrath, the occasion of wrath, the objects of wrath, and the qualities of Wrath. [00:28:05]
The wrath of God is an unavoidably Dominical doctrine, that is, Jesus taught it. We have learned it from the lips of Jesus, and no one is more responsible for less the main lines of this teaching, which is so despised in our day, than our Lord Himself. He addressed the subject more than anyone else in the Gospels. [00:39:23]
The cross, where Jesus bore the wrath of God, is the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and mercy. It is through Christ's sacrifice that believers are spared from the wrath they deserve, highlighting the profound nature of God's love. Without understanding the severity of God's wrath, the depth of His grace and the significance of the cross are diminished. [00:42:07]
If we are to appreciate, if we are to grow in our understanding of the love and grace of God, we must also embrace his wrath because there is no good news without the bad news, and it is the bad news which makes the good news so good to us that we have been forgiven in his justice and grace in Jesus Christ. [00:46:02]
The wrath of God is Christological. Yeah, that's a big word. It just means that it pertains to Jesus Christ, and there is an urgent need for us to approach this truth Christologically, in conscience relation to the doctrine of Christ. I mean that in at least two ways. First, we need to stress that the wrath of God is an unavoidably Dominical doctrine. [00:39:35]
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