The wrath of God is revealed from heaven
William MacDonald explains that God's wrath is a righteous and necessary response to sin, perfectly balanced with His love and mercy, urging believers to respond with compassion and evangelism.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound truth of God's wrath as revealed in Romans 1:18. He explains that God's wrath is a righteous and just response to sin, perfectly balanced with His love and mercy. MacDonald challenges believers to understand this divine attribute without fear or apology and encourages them to respond with compassion and urgency in sharing the Gospel. This message calls Christians to a deeper appreciation of God's holiness and a compassionate heart for the lost.
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“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” (Rom. 1:18)
The wrath of God is His fierce anger and retributive punishment directed against unrepentant sinners in time and in eternity. A. W. Pink has pointed out that it is as much a divine perfection as is His faithfulness, power and mercy. We need make no apology for it.
In pondering the wrath of God, there are a few facts we should keep in mind.
There is no conflict between God’s love and His wrath. True love punishes sin, rebellion and disobedience.
If men refuse God’s love, what is left but His wrath? There are only two eternal abodes, heaven and hell. If men refuse heaven, they thereby choose hell.
God did not create hell for men, but for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41). The Lord does not desire the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11). But there is no alternative for the Christ-rejecter.
Judgment is spoken of as God’s strange work (Isa. 28:21). The suggestion is that He prefers to show mercy (Jas. 2:13b).
There is no vindictiveness or spite in God’s wrath. It is righteous wrath, without any stain of sin.
The wrath of God is an attribute we are not called to imitate. It is peculiarly His in the sense that He alone can exercise it with absolute justice. Thus Paul writes to the Romans, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19 NASB).
The Christian is called on to display righteous anger, but it must be righteous. It must not overflow into sinful wrath (Eph. 4:26). And it should be exercised only when God’s honor is at stake, never in self-defense or self-justification.
If we really believe in the wrath of God, it should move us out to share the Gospel with those who are still on the broad road that leads to destruction. And when we preach the wrath of God, it should be with tears of compassion.
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding the Wrath of God
- Definition as fierce anger and retributive punishment
- Wrath as a divine perfection alongside faithfulness and mercy
- No need to apologize for God's wrath
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II. The Relationship Between God's Love and Wrath
- No conflict between love and wrath
- True love punishes sin and rebellion
- Refusal of God's love results in wrath
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III. The Nature and Purpose of God's Wrath
- Wrath is righteous, not vindictive or spiteful
- God's wrath is His alone to exercise with justice
- Judgment is God's 'strange work' and mercy is preferred
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IV. Christian Response to God's Wrath
- Called to righteous anger but not sinful wrath
- Leave vengeance to God
- Evangelize with compassion motivated by belief in God's wrath
Key Quotes
“The wrath of God is His fierce anger and retributive punishment directed against unrepentant sinners in time and in eternity.” — William MacDonald
“There is no conflict between God’s love and His wrath. True love punishes sin, rebellion and disobedience.” — William MacDonald
“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Recognize that God's wrath is a just response to sin and not something to fear without understanding.
- Respond to God's wrath by sharing the Gospel with compassion for those who reject Him.
- Exercise righteous anger only when defending God's honor, avoiding sinful wrath or personal revenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wrath of God?
The wrath of God is His fierce anger and retributive punishment against unrepentant sinners, both in this life and eternally.
Is there a conflict between God's love and His wrath?
No, God's love and wrath are not in conflict; true love punishes sin and rebellion.
Did God create hell for humans?
No, God created hell for the devil and his angels, but those who reject Christ choose it by refusing God's love.
Should Christians imitate God's wrath?
No, Christians are called to righteous anger without sinful wrath and must leave vengeance to God.
How should the knowledge of God's wrath affect believers?
It should motivate believers to share the Gospel compassionately with those on the path to destruction.