God’s wrath and judgment? 

 

Why is it important that we recognize this? 119 Ministries

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Well, for one, it teaches us that the choices we make in this life matter. There are consequences— eternal consequences—to our actions. This is important because, without consequences, it really doesn’t matter what we do. Without it “good and evil” have no real meaning or value. Some might object and say that this concept of God bringing judgment and wrath is only in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, God is only about grace and love! That idea only comes from a selective reading of the Scriptures. Both the Old Testament and New Testament testify of God’s amazing grace and mercy for His people as well as His judgment and wrath. There is no inconsistency. God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Scripture cannot be changed. Sin is a transgression of God’s law.    1 John 3:4 (EVIL) What you believe in your heart is expressed in your actions. 

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 So, it’s clear that God’s wrath is part of who He is. And therefore, truly knowing God includes knowing this aspect of His character. He is holy and just and He punishes evil and wickedness. Now some people might be uncomfortable with this reality. After all, isn’t God supposed to be all good and loving? Well, He is. Think about it for a minute. If there is no judgment for sin, it means that God is unjust. It means that unrepentant rapists and murderers just get away with the evil atrocities that they’ve committed. How is that good and loving? Furthermore, without God’s wrath and judgment, there’s no point in God’s grace and mercy. 

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We all deserve God’s wrath, but if we’ve repented; we’ve been forgiven. (The proof of being born of God is that you refuse to practice sinning)1 John 3) Grace and mercy would mean nothing if there was no judgment. Salvation would mean nothing if there was nothing to be saved from. Everyone who cares about truth, morality, and justice ought to agree that God’s wrath and judgment are necessary. And we should know about this aspect of who God is to really know that He is the Lord. Knowledge should energize us to share the Gospel so that people know that there is hope for salvation if they repent. Exodus 10:1-2

 

If you believe in God as you profess, you must listen and do what He says now. Your faith produces works and unconditional trust. If you refuse to carry out His instructions, His commands, God says you do not believe in Him. If you say you love me and don't keep my commandments you are a liar and the truth is not in you, John 14:15. 1 John 2:4    And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remain under God’s angry judgment. John 3:36

True Disciples

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. But I will reply, ``I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws. `` Matthew 7:24 (page 4)