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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
The image of an all-powerful God who can both create and destroy is given scant attention in worship these days. But both testaments of our Bible seem to indicate we should be aware of the duality of His being, the key is a proper understanding of what it means to be “afraid” of his wrath. Moses dictated a number of commands, decrees and laws to be observed by the Hebrew people, “…so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands...” Deuteronomy 6:13 The laws, commands and decrees meant, at least in part, to accentuate their inability to remain holy before an absolutely righteous God, driving them to an acceptance of their need of a grace-filled life. “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees…” Deuteronomy 10:12,13
The Psalmist declares, “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.” Psalm 19:9; adding “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; (inducing) all who follow his precepts (to) have good understanding.” Psalm 111:10 Proverbs tracing an understanding of the Holy One back to the wisdom gained in fearing the Lord ( Proverbs 9:10); prompting us to hate and avoid evil ( Proverbs 8:13 – 16:6) and promising that, “…fear of the Lord adds length to life,…” Proverbs 10:27 But that’s old school thinking and Old Testament works oriented salvation isn’t it?
Jesus spoke a lot about love and its benefits for us individually as well as what it should motivate us to do – or not do – for others. Such as, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (See also Romans 5:8) John would later define God as love in its purest form, stating that “There is no fear in love. (As) perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 4:16 &18 Presumably if we are in Christ, there is no need to fear punishment. That’s more like it! Just what we need (literally) and want to hear to soothe our conscience and calm our nerves.
Yet when addressing the sin of hypocrisy in the religiously self-satisfied and complacent of his day, Jesus assured them that, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known…” Therefore, “…do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But… fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell.” Luke 12:1-5 Surely that wouldn’t apply to any of us would it? Then why would Paul warn us to, “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,…”? Philippians 2:12 In part to avoid the sin of arrogance, embraced as a result of a faulty understanding of God’s grace and his righteous wrath; an avoidable problem when we realize that the preaching of wrath without an appreciation of grace leads to narrow legalism and despair while preaching grace without an adequate understanding of wrath leads to a Christianity robbed of its threat and thrill. This in turn creates a lack of urgency concerning salvation and little exuberance in celebrating it. As Tom Lawson writes in the Christian Standard, “One by-product of down-playing the wrath of God is a significant distortion of the message of salvation. If God is not really that angry, then grace is surely not that unexpected. (or important) We move from John Newton’s “amazing” grace to “oh that’s nice” grace. When the primary focus of the offer of salvation is no longer the removing of our guilt before a justly wrathful judge, then secondary aspects must be elevated. Promises of happiness, inner peace, financial blessings, spiritual power, and a general esprit de corps of the congregation become the central tools of persuasion. People are won by and to the church instead of being won by the message of the cross and added to the church.” (See the “ruin and misery” that mark the ways of those who have, “…no fear of God…” Romans 3:9-18)
That’s why Paul, in explaining our grafting on to the tree of righteousness as replacements for the unyielding and un-accepting Jewish “church” reminds us that, “…they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. (Yet) Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” Romans 11:20,21 (See also Matthew 7:19,20; Hebrews 6:4-6 & 2 Peter 2:20,21) Further cautioning us to, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness . Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” Romans 11:22
“God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.” Psalm 7:11; a God who can’t and won’t countenance evil and disobedience. ( Hebrews 1:13) Evil we understand – but obedience? Isn’t grace a free gift – not affected by our works? ( Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9) Yes, but that’s only part of the truth, as we were further gifted with a purpose, “…created in Christ Jesus to do good works,…”. ( Ephesians 2:10) Jesus insisting that, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (See also Matthew 16:27 & 2 Corinthians 5:10) Which he reiterated in the parable of the sheep and goats, indicating that the “King” will bless and punish people (who both called him Lord) as a direct result of their responses to those in need around them. ( Matthew 25:31-46) Jesus further explaining, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”, and assuring us that, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love,…” John 14:15 – 15:10
One source of society’s discomfort with the concept of God’s wrath and our subsequent fear, is found in distorted definitions; as a result of which we often fail to recognize that anger, in some contexts, is a direct result of one’s indignation at injustice and sin. As such, God’s wrath is in part an expression of his goodness, holiness and righteousness. In fact, the absence of wrath in certain circumstances would indicate a lack of concern for those suffering at the hands of the unethical and immoral. Which is why the writer of Hebrews warns that for those who “…deliberately keep on sinning…” after receiving the truth of the gospel, the experience of “meeting” God at the end of the age will be anything but pleasant; in fact, describing it as “dreadful.” ( Hebrews 10:26-31) Scripture unequivocally stating that, “The wrath of God (will be) revealed… against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,…” Romans 1:9 But just as unequivocally states that, “Jesus… rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10; justifying us by His blood ( Romans 5:9) and reconciling us to God’s purposes. ( Romans 5:10,11) For it is not God’s desire that we suffer wrath, but that we receive salvation through His son and our Savior – Jesus Christ. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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