God's Wrath

When the gospel is presented, usually the message is loaded with the mercy and love of God. And it should be! It is true that the mercy and compassion of God was demonstrated through the work of Jesus Christ. At the heart of the gospel is God’s work of reconciliation bringing salvation to all men through the death of His Son. Laid upon Jesus’ shoulders, all of the sin of the world was applied, and because of the cross, God has provided man an avenue to receive eternal life and a harmonious relationship with the Creator. Because the wrath of God was poured on Christ, His love is given to all who believe in His Son.

A message filled with love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness is often preached, but how often do we warn others about the wrath of God? Should we sternly remind people that an unrepentant heart will only lead to experiencing the wrath of God? Because we live in a tolerant society, it has become very difficult to present God in such a way. To state that we will incur the wrath of God because we do not repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus Christ is often considered “old-fashioned” by many. Instead of doggedly teaching the truths of the Scripture, we often cower to the current impulses of society.

• Romans 1:18- “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…”
  
  


• 1 Corinthians 16:22- “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.”
  
  


• Hebrews 10:31- “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

Question:

Does an understanding of God’s wrath deepen one’s appreciation of the gospel?