“Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-6
“It isn’t fair!” The last time I heard these words, my daughter had tears in her eyes and stomped her foot. She was angry. Or was she indignant? These words are similar, but different. Anger is caused by being hurt or insulted and is a feeling of strong dislike. Indignation is caused by injustice – something happening that isn’t right and you or someone you care about is hurt. This is often referred to as righteous anger. Wrath is both anger and indignation together. It is deep and intense and something God does perfectly towards those who do not love Him.
God is wrathful against those who disobey His law, insult His name, and hurt His people. You may recall Bible stories where God destroys people who sin. In these stories, remember that God displays emotions perfectly. He doesn’t “lose control.” His response is at the right time and correct given the situation. God pours out His wrath on unbelievers. It is displayed in two forms: 1) current day seen consequences to sinful actions, such as a bruised fist after punching someone, and 2) end days when unbelievers go to hell. Hell receives the full forces of God’s wrath and none of His love.
God’s wrath is fearsome and causes our souls to tremble, but Jesus is the propitiation for the believer’s sin. This means that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross stopped God’s wrath towards believers. Believers receive salvation from God’s wrath by faith alone. God forgives them.
Suggestion for prayer
Ask for faith that does not trust in yourself but completely trusts Jesus and His work on the cross. Ask for forgiveness and salvation from God’s wrath.
Katelyn Van Haren is a member of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Lacombe, Alberta. She received a liberal arts degree from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario in honours accounting and is a CPA. Katelyn and her husband have five children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com