There is a subject about which I have been reluctant to write. My reason is two-fold. First, I like to be positive, and secondly, my heart hurts when I consider this biblical truth. I am speaking of the wrath of God.

For 60 years, I have proclaimed the loved of God. The overwhelming evidence of God’s nature is His long-suffering, his infinite patience, his incomparable love, his sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of our souls. Very few people consider the reality of his wrath.

From Genesis to Revelation, this facet of God’s nature is mentioned over and over again. I have personally noted at least 40 different times when the Bible speaks of the wrath of God. Moses sang about God’s deliverance from their enemies. Pharaoh refused to listen to Moses command, “Let my people go.” The result of indifference of God’s commands  is to suffer the wrath of God. “And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: Thou sendest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.” (Ex. 15:7)

Later in the journey of Israel toward the Promised Land, God’s wrath was provoked against his own chosen people whom he called “stiff-necked.” (Ex. 32:9) His warning was, “now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them . . .” (Ex. 32:20)

There are many such references to God’s wrath in the Old Testament, but what about the New Testament? The same God who is revealed in the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament in which we have the presence of God’s son, Jesus Christ. The stormy, north side of God’s nature is revealed in John’s Gospel. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)

Paul gives further warning in the Book of Romans “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness  of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” (Rev. 19:15)

God wants all men and women to respond to him because of his great love. God has smitten individuals, armies and nations who were “stiff-necked” and unresponsive to his patience. My heart is heavy with the responsibility to warn all people. The end result of God’s wrath is an eternal, burning hell.