The Wrath of God: A Neglected Issue in Christianity
Introduction
The Christian faith often emphasizes love and forgiveness, overlooking a crucial aspect of God’s character: His wrath. This lesson aims to shed light on the often-neglected issue of God’s wrath and challenge common misconceptions surrounding it.
I. The Death of Christ and False License
Many Christians misinterpret the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as a license to disregard God’s law. However, the Scriptures clearly teach the inexorability and immutability of God’s spiritual law, specifically the Ten Commandments (Jer. 31:31-33; Heb. 8:7-10; 10:16). It is crucial for believers to dust off their Bibles and study these verses to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect of our faith
ii. Taking Jesus at His Word
As believers, our trust in Jesus goes beyond mere confession of His name. We must also take him at His word and believe and apply his teachings, as recorded in the Bible. This realization is echoed in songwriter William Cowper’s famous hymn, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” Cowper’s words remind us that trusting in Jesus goes beyond mere lip service; it involves believing in and acting on His teachings
Does God have any wrath toward man?
This question is examined through passages in Joel 2:30-31, Revelation 6:12-17, and Isaiah 2:19-21. These scriptures contain prophetic language that portrays a “day of the LORD” when God punishes those who violate His law. During this period of divine judgment, the powers of heaven (such as the sun and moon) will be shaken, resulting in darkness and blood. This imagery emphasizes the severity of the punishment to come. The passage in Revelation 6:16-17 further highlights the united wrath of God and Jesus, as men cry out to the mountains, rocks, and heaven to shield them from the coming wrath.
These passages serve as reminders of God’s righteous anger and the consequences of sin. Isaiah, a prominent prophet in the Bible, vividly describes the futile attempts made by individuals to evade the wrath of God during a specific era. He records the desperate actions taken by both men and women as they desperately searched for shelter in the depths of caves and crevices, driven by their fear of the Lord and a desire to honor His glory. The prophet describes the day when the Lord will emerge and bring about a cataclysmic upheaval upon the earth. In that moment, individuals will abandon their idols of silver and of gold, which they had created for the purpose of worship.
They will cast these idols aside and take them to the clefts of rocks, where they will be hidden away, both out of reverence to the Lord and in anticipation for His divine judgment. Isaiah’s words serve as a stark reminder of the futility of trying to escape the inevitable consequences of sin and disobedience.
What is the cause of God’s wrath?
Invariably, there is a reason for every action God takes. The prevalence of sin led to the destruction of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. And we can be sure that our present world will eventually suffer a similar fate (II Pet. 2:4-6). The Bible plainly reveals the root causes of God’s wrath: “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the LAWS, changed the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant” (Isa. 24:5). It is a sad reality that God’s LAWS are widely transgressed with impunity these days. As our Lawgiver (Isa. 33:22), God gave us commandments for our own good: “Thou camest down on Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments” (Neh. 9:13).
The transgression of God’s LAWS is the root cause of God’s wrath. The disobedience and rebellion against His divine commands are an affront to His perfect justice and righteousness. The disobedience of ancient civilizations, such as Sodom and Gomorrah, serves as a warning to future generations. Similarly, the disobedience of the present-day world indicates that we are on a trajectory towards destruction.
The LAWS that God has given us are not just arbitrary rules; they are intended to protect and preserve His creation. When we disregard or violate these laws, we invite the wrath of God upon ourselves and our societies. The Bible warns us against this in no uncertain terms. The consequences of disregarding God’s LAWS are severe. The destruction of ancient civilizations, such as Sodom and Gomorrah, serves as a stark reminder of God’s righteous judgment.
These cities were destroyed for their unrepentant wickedness and rebellion against His law. The passage of time has not diminished God’s wrath, but He has mercifully given us warning through His Word. In our present world, the transgression of God’s LAWS is widespread. Sin has become a pervasive force, corrupting individuals and societies alike. The disregard of God’s commands is evident in various spheres of life, including politics, economics, and interpersonal relationships.
As believers, we are called to be salt and light, upholding the LAWS of God and bringing His righteousness to the world around us (Matt. 5:13-16). The Bible teaches us that the LAWS of God are good and upright (Ps. 119:128). They are not burdensome but rather bring joy and fulfillment to our lives (Acts 15:28). When we obey the LAWS of God, we experience blessings and protection. However, when we violate them, we invite judgment upon ourselves.
The second root cause of God’s wrath is that His commanded religious system, namely the Sanctuary Service or the Key of David, has been altered. These changes have become particularly prominent in the way certain solemn feasts of God are celebrated. These feasts, which include the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Tabernacles, have been distorted into pagan holidays, such as Easter, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and others. These changes, driven by the influence of Satan, violate God’s instructions and disregard the sanctity of these sacred days.
Finally, the EVERLASTING COVENANT – the Ten Commandments (Deut. 4:13) – has been broken! The validity of the Fourth Commandment – the Sabbath command – is consistently disputed and questioned by many ignorant Christians. The irony lies in the fact that the Sabbath is the very sign that identifies the true worshipers of the God of Israel, the CREATOR GOD (Exo. 31:12- 17; Ezek. 20:12, 20). Yet, false ministers teach and ignorant Christians believe, that the everlasting covenant has also been nailed to the cross. However, this belief is flawed. It is futile to obey some of the Commandments and ignore the others.
According to James 2:10, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” It is imperative that believers understand the full significance of the Ten Commandments. They serve as a guide for living a life that honors and respects God. By disregarding or selectively obeying them, Christians undermine their own spiritual well-being. Instead, it is crucial to embrace the entire Ten Commandments as an integral part of God’s eternal covenant.
By doing so, believers can deepen their relationship with Him and align their lives with His divine will. Paul emphasizes the significance of God’s law in his epistle to the Corinthians by stating, “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the COMMANDMENTS OF GOD” (I Cor. 7:19).
Any good student of Bible prophecy is aware that an influential religio-political power is likely to emerge on the scene in the near future, if not already, in this end time. This power, known as the “beast” in Revelation 13, will command worship through a combination of subtle philosophy
and brute force. One of the key characteristics of this power will be the establishment of a religious system, which will be its mark. The observance of Sunday as a day of rest and worship will serve as its defining characteristic, and it will be required for everyone to accept and follow this system.
The enforcement of this religious system will be stringent, with individuals being unable to engage in any economic activity without receiving the “mark of the beast.” This mark signifies compliance with the false worship mandated by the power in control. Failure to adhere to this edict will result in severe punishment, including torture and death. The thought of a world subjected to such oppressive measures may seem impossible, but it is crucial to remember that the Bible prophecies of such a time. The warnings provided serve as a reminder of the need to be vigilant and faithful to the teachings of the Bible.
In Revelation 16:1, a voice from the temple instructs the seven angels to “go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” This verse signifies the start of God’s judgment and unleashes a series of devastating plagues upon the earth. One of the plagues mentioned in the passage is the appearance of terrible sores on the bodies of those who have sinned. This graphic imagery serves to emphasize the severity of the consequences faced by those who defy God’s commands.
Additionally, the sea turns to blood, a fresh water supply becomes bitter, and the sun scorches the earth, causing immense pain and suffering. The darkness and pain inflicted by God’s wrath during this time are described as unbearable, leaving people hopeless and despairing. The culmination of these plagues is an earthquake of monumental proportions. Every island flees away, and the mountains are no longer found. The severity of the earthquake is so great that people blaspheme God due to the overwhelming impact of the hailstorm that follows.
The hailstones, each weighing as much as a talent, fall upon men, causing immense suffering and further inflaming their sense of rebellion against God. These passages in the Bible serve as a stark reminder of the consequences that await those who choose to follow their own paths rather than submit to the commands of God. The wrath of God is severe and unyielding, and those who defy His will face unimaginable suffering.
We see repeatedly in the Scriptures that God’s wrath is poured out upon unrepentant sinners (Eph. 5:5-6). This passage highlights the serious consequences faced by individuals who reject God’s righteousness and persist in their sins. It serves as a stark reminder of the judgment that
awaits those who refuse to repent. In particular, there is a terrifying punishment in store for those who receive the MARK OF THE BEAST – or Sunday-based religious system. The Bible warns against succumbing to the influence of this false religious system, as it will lead to eternal condemnation.
The passage from Revelation 14:9-11 is particularly chilling, as it describes the horrifying torment that will be endured by those who worship the beast and receive his mark. The biblical description of the punishment is nothing short of mind-jarring. It warns that individuals who worship the beast and his image will be subject to the wrath of God. They will be tormented with fire and brimstone, a graphic portrayal of the intense suffering and agony they will face. This punishment is described as eternal, with no respite day or night. It is a chilling reminder of the eternal consequences of rejecting God’s truth.
Furthermore, the Bible states that this mind-jarring scene will be a future “tourist destination” for the saints. In Isaiah 66:22-24, it states that the saints will witness the torment of unrepentant sinners every Sabbath and every new moon in the world to come. This imagery portrays a future reality where the saints will have a front row seat to the punishment of the wicked. It serves as a reminder of God’s justice and faithfulness in upholding His righteous standards.
What is the guaranteed way of escape from God’s wrath? Zeph. 2:2-3
From the foregoing, we have established from the Bible that God is indeed full of wrath against man and will undoubtedly bring His righteous judgment upon this depraved and decadent generation. However, it is important to note that He has provided a way of escape from His wrath
– or from His righteous indignation.
This passage from Zephaniah sheds light on this crucial subject: “Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek RIGHTEOUSNESS, seek MEEKNESS: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger'” (Zeph. 2:2-3).
The passage emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord and embracing righteousness and meekness. By doing so, individuals may potentially be shielded from the wrath of God. It is Important to note that this passage does not specify a specific action or ritual that guarantees escape from His judgment. Instead, it emphasizes the need to align oneself with His righteousness and humble spirit.
The mention of “the decree” and “the day” in Zephaniah 2:2 may indicate a specific time frame or circumstance. However, the ultimate purpose of this passage is to encourage individuals to seek the Lord and humble themselves before Him, regardless of their circumstances. By doing so, they may find respite from His righteous wrath and find a place of refuge in His divine protection.
Furthermore, it is imperative to comprehend the reward of “Babylon the Great,” the origin and propagator of all false doctrines in mainstream Christianity (Rev. 17:1-5). Recognizing this, God, in His unconditional love, is commanding His people to come out of her: “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was brightened with his radiance. And he cried out in a powerful voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great has fallen, and has become the slave of all nations. The wine of her adulteries is the cup from which her plagues flow”.
The plagues of her immorality are a heavy burden upon the earth.’ And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins, and so that you will not receive any of her plagues’.” (Rev. 18:1-4). To “come out of Babylon” is to sever all ties and cease adhering to her abominable doctrines, such as the observance of Sunday worship, Easter, Christmas, New Year’s Day, etc., which are all steeped in paganism. It is crucial to break free of these false beliefs and practices and embrace the true teachings of God.
The pagan religion of ancient Babylon underwent a significant transformation and evolved into the Romish/Papal Church of today. For a comprehensive analysis of the modern identity of “Babylon the Great,” it is recommended to consult the following classics: Babylon Mystery Religion (1981 edition) by Ralph Woodrow and The Two Babylon’s by Alexander Hislop, which are readily available online.
The Eternal God is ever willing to forgive our sins, especially those sins committed out of sheer ignorance. In His divine wisdom, He has overlooked the ignorance of the past but now commands all men everywhere to repent. This instruction is given because He has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness. This judgment will be carried out by Jesus, whom He has ordained for this purpose. God has given assurance to all men by rising from the grave, demonstrating His power and authority.
However, there are those who still choose to continue in disobedience, disregarding the saving “grace” of Christ. Paul, an inspired apostle, offers a stern warning to those who persist in this error. He asks, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” He emphasizes the importance of breaking free from sin and living a life of grace.
Paul declares that those who are dead to sin cannot continue to live in it. He exclaims, “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Paul also addresses the notion that believers can sin freely because they are not under the law but under grace. He emphatically states, “What then shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” His message is clear: believers should not succumb to sin, regardless of their standing under the law of grace.
Will probation ever cease?
This question has caused much contemplation and discussion throughout the ages. The Bible provides valuable insights into this matter, shedding light on the concept of probation and its implications. One notable passage that sheds light on the topic is Rev. 10:1-6, which states:
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He had a little book open in his hand. and he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars.
And when he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have uttered, and do not write them.” And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God should be finished, as he declared to his servants the prophets.”
Another relevant passage is 22:10, which states: “And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.” These verses indicate that while probation may cease at some point, it is a concept that cannot be fully understood by finite minds. The depths of God’s mercy and grace are immeasurable, as exemplified by His proclamation in Exo. 34:6-7: “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, long suffering [patient], and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations.”
However, it is important to acknowledge that God’s patience is not without limits. I am reminded of the stories of Noah and Lot, which serve as stark reminders of God’s judgment upon sin. In Gen. 6:1-7, the Bible recounts how wickedness and violence had saturated the earth, prompting God to destroy all life with a worldwide flood. Similarly, in Gen. 19, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a vivid example of God’s judgment upon sexual immorality and wickedness.
These biblical accounts serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that the days of probation are not eternal. Just as God judged the sinful actions of Noah and Lot, so too will He judge the sins of humanity. Luke 17:26-29 states: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
Clearly, the “mighty angel” described in Revelation 10:1-4 is none other than Jesus (cf. Rev. 1:12-16).
The description of this angel as powerful and majestic aligns with the portrayal of Jesus in the New Testament. The angel’s hand lifted to heaven and the act of swearing by God, who is described as living forever and ever, further support the identification of the angel as Jesus. In Revelation 10:5-6, the angel declares an end to probation, indicating that at some point in the very near future, the final judgment of God will be executed. This prophecy serves as a stark reminder of the impending end of time and the need for individuals to repent of their sins and seek salvation.
However, it is important to note that God is depicted as being patient and compassionate in His judgment. In the book of Second Peter, it is stated that God is not slack concerning His promise, but is long suffering towards humanity. God’s desire is for all individuals to repent and come to salvation, rather than perishing. The portrayal of God as “LOVE” in I John 4:8 emphasizes His compassion and mercy. Despite the impending judgment, God continues to extend His grace and give people ample time to turn back from their sinful ways.
This passage serves as encouragement for believers to share the Gospel message and lead others towards repentance, knowing that God is patient and desires to save all who believe in Him. The window of grace to repent is now extremely limited, as we are currently living in times when there is “time no longer.” Indeed, probation, or the grace period to repent from sin, will soon end. In Revelation 22:10-12, we read: “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” This passage indicates that those who have not repented of their sin will bear the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes the importance of making a choice to turn away from sin and seek righteousness. It is important to note that Christ’s intercession for sin will also cease soon, as
mentioned in Revelation 8:1-5.
In this closing chapter of Revelation, the Lord emphasizes the urgency of repentance. The window of opportunity is narrowing, and soon there will be no more chances to turn back. It is crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation and take appropriate action. The word “quickly” in verse 11 indicates that the end times are coming swiftly. Christians should be spiritually prepared and strive to live according to God’s will. The reward mentioned is the eternal salvation that will be bestowed upon those who diligently seek righteousness.
In conclusion, the root cause of God’s wrath is the widespread transgression of His LAWS. The disobedience of ancient civilizations and the present disregard for His commands are warning signs of impending judgment. As believers, we are called to obey the LAWS of God and to be a shining light in a world that is increasingly turning away. Let us humble ourselves before God and heed His warnings, lest we suffer the same fate as Sodom and Gomorrah.
Understanding God’s wrath is a crucial aspect of our faith journey. By examining the verses mentioned throughout this lesson, we can gain a clearer understanding of God’s justice and the importance of obeying His law. Let us remember that trust in Christ goes beyond mere confession; it involves taking him at His word and believing in and acting on his teachings. As we deepen our understanding of God’s wrath, let us strive to live a life that reflects our devotion and love for our heavenly Father.