Is God’s Wrath Good News?

25 10 2023

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A word about God’s wrath is quite timely with the Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians. We know that God is love and believers are to model His love. However, do you know there are some things God hates? It is a mistake to ignore His anger and hatred of evil. You know His opinion of idol worship, which included evil acts.

“You shall not worship Yehovah your God in that way; for every abomination to Yehovah which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.”   Deuteronomy 12:31

This sounds a lot like the abomination of Hamas on October 7. Hamas terrorists: We were told “whoever brings a hostage gets $10,000. and an apartment.” Jerusalem Post

So, how is the wrath of God good news? Consider this foundational concept found in Romans. Apostle Paul is clearly embracing the Gospel, also translated “good news” and “glad tidings.” Many fail, however, to connect the two aspects of this “good news.” It is certainly good news for salvation, although it is limited to those who believe. But Paul continues to explain the other half of the good news. God intends to ultimately deal with the problem of evil. It will end. Two things are revealed in this good news.

  1. “For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed.”
  2. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”

Unfortunately, many translations insert a break between these two thoughts. Now read these in context and see if you get my point. This is not at all about human payback or revenge. It is about Divine judgement. In the end evil is defeated by God Himself. Finally, even death itself is defeated. Hallelujah!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,”  Romans 1:16-18

God has many ways to dispense His wrath. Sometimes He uses man or nations. They may be either righteous or not, but either way God punishes the wicked. We pray for Yehovah’s righteous judgement in the present Gaza war. We pray for God’s wisdom and direction for Israel’s leaders, and courage to obey His commands.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and rain in the exact timing of God’s purposes.

Les Lawrence, a voice of Christian Zionists             (Read more)