Exempt From the Wrath of God
Lesson Three • The Promise to Return
Devotion 1: Exempt From the Wrath of God
Dr. Randy T. Johnson
“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” Romans 5:9
I enjoy saltwater aquariums. I am baffled on how many colors are displayed even though the water is so salty. I cannot comprehend how someone can deny God’s creative work when they see all the different life forms clothed in such beauty. God is the Creator and His imagination is beyond what our limited minds can digest.
As I read Romans 5:9, I cringe at the phrase “wrath of God.” If God can be so creative in creation, imagine what can be done in destruction. It is not a comforting thought. It is dreadful.
The “wrath of God” is normally viewed as an Old Testament concept, and it is mentioned some twenty-five times. Even though people want to describe God in the Old Testament as wrath and portray Him as love in the New Testament, the “wrath of God” is referenced eighteen times in the New Testament. God does not change; sin cannot be taken lightly. God’s holiness must be respected. He is just (while being loving).
I hope you grasp these two points:
No one is too bad that they cannot receive the forgiveness of God through salvation in Jesus Christ and avoid the “wrath of God.”
No one is so good that they do not need a Savior (Jesus the Christ) from the “wrath of God.”
We all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and do not deserve anything good (much less Heaven). Actually, we deserve death (Romans 6:23). Fortunately, God chose to love us and sent His only Son to die for our sins. He promises not only that believers will avoid the “wrath of God,” but also that we will get to experience eternal life (John 3:16).
John 3:36 summarizes this promise well, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Colossians 3:5-6 gives a sobering challenge and reminder to believers, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.”
The “wrath of God” is coming, but believers do not have to fear it due to God’s promise of eternal life and being exempt from this wrath. However, we should live differently as a thank you to God and to point others to Him. We should not become lazy in our comfortable chair, basking in the delight of His promise as the world fades away into oblivion.