The concept of God’s wrath seems to come up very often in the discussion of Eschatology. True many of the discussions evolve around when or where God’s wrath begins in the tribulation (which is a launch pad for argument between the pre-wrath and the pre-trib rapture debate), however, it seems in order to grasp God’s plan for the end times, we have to first study God’s concept of wrath and punishment. Or in other words, we have to understand the concept and reasons for God’s discipline on each of us, and mankind as a whole.

A God of Mercy or Wrath?

I recently read somewhere that recent polls among ‘Christian’ denominations in North America would portray that 40% of Christ’s church does not believe in Hell? To some it may be shocking. To other’s perhaps you’re in agreement.

I have news for everyone reading. The same bible that preaches God’s love and sacrifice also teaches of eternal punishment and damnation for those who turn from and deny God. We’ll talk more on this a little later, but for now I’ll just say that when one does complete a study on the judgment of mankind before God, I can say one thing; whole heartedly and without stammer -

If you disobey God, he is going to discipline you.

Have a look through any of the biblical record. Remember the Israelites having to wait an extra 40 years for the promise land? What about Moses striking the rock twice instead of speaking to it (Num 20:11), remember Jonah ?, he disobeyed and was swallowed by a fish.

The list continues. (many things I could add from my own life)

God is good. God is just. If you transgress the law… you sin. Romans 7:7 says “I had not known sin, except through the law”

Each of us has broken God’s laws. Each of us is guilty before him. Each of us deserves punishment for our transgressions.

To those of us that are Christian, we know that Jesus Christ paid our ransom in full and we are once again ‘right’ in God’s eyes. We also know that it doesn’t end there and that we have to continually strive to be in relationship with Jesus and to live a life that is testament to that ransom that was paid in full.

Now to the non-Christians out there, some might say… woah, hold on there. God is love. God sees me and knows I am not a bad person. I don’t cheat lie or steal and I’m very nice to everyone I meet. I can’t believe that God would ever punish someone good like me.

Well perhaps that argument has been working for you. But by who’s standards are you comparing yourself too?

What you have done is made a god to your liking… and contrary to the one as taught in scripture. Incidentally, by making this god for yourself, you have violated the number one commandment. Thou Shalt have no other God before Me.

It is true that God is love, but it is equally and more importantly true that God is Holy and Good. If God is Holy and Good, then nothing unjust, unholy, or sinful can go unpunished.

Let’s say you committed a crime and went to court. You open your defense by saying to the judge “Judge, I know what I did was wrong but I also see and know that you are kind and loving and that you are a good man”. Would you expect to be set free from your crime or punished? Would he be a good judge if he let you go? Quite the contrary; He would ONLY be a good judge IF he punished what was deserved.

God’s love for us is akin to the love we have for our own children. If our children disobey, do we not lovingly scold, or discipline them? Do we do it to be hateful, unkind or mean-spirited? - Of course not.

God wants only the best for us. God wants to fill our lives with blessings. However, God also knows (this is where we have problems) that sin in our lives will keep us from the best he wants for us. As such, we may expect correction from time to time, as God redirects our course onto the path he has planned for us.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not? But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. -- Heb 12:6-11

Being disciplined is seldom an enjoyable experience.  I can remember in my own life growing up where the actions of my parents seemed unfair and cruel in light of my current understanding. However, now looking back several years later, I can clearly see now that what they prevented me from doing, what their rules and discipline did, was actually better for me than I thought it would be or was. Many times our own human stubborness cause us to learn things the hard way. I myself now am a parent. I scold and discipline my own kids, and they are not pleased with me and many times call me unfair. Truly they are speaking from the ignorance of their position, but you cannot tell them that... they have to learn it on their own. The most important thing to remember is... I do not enjoy scolding my kids.... And neither does God.

The bible is quite clear that God does not take joy, or happiness in scolding us. He is waiting in anticipation for us to screw up so he can smack us and laugh at our pain. Quite the contrary - remember the “God is Love” part? … well it’s true.

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. -- Lam 3:32-33

If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way: -- Lam 3:32-33

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. -- Eze 18:31-32

I myself said,
“How gladly would I treat you like sons and give you a desireable land,
the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.”
I thought you would call me “Father”
And not turn away from following me…
Return, faithless people;
I will cure you of your backsliding. – Jer 3:19,22 NIV

Many times through the scriptures we can read how God is pleading with his people to repent. He sends warning after warning, prior to correction. In essence, like us to our children, he first raises his voice, and then punishment is delivered. How much are we like Israel, never listening to the warnings ahead and then crying foul, when God corrects us… Justly.

David recognized this pattern of warning before punishment in God. We read in Psalms 78:

Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. -- Psa 78:36-38

We now fall upon an interesting verse to note in our quest to understand God’s wrath. In the above passage we see that the Psalmest mentions how God had many times turned his anger away and did not stir his wrath. When we ask the question why, we may be drawn to a portion of scripture in Hosea that tells us more about our loving creator.

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. -- Hos 11:1-9

“Mine heart is turned within me” is not the voice of a God who enjoys punishing his people - quite the contrary. In this passage in Hosea 11 we can see how God is heartbroken over the actions of his people… it is truly relayed here how much he does lament the punishments to come. So from this we can conclude that God Laments what Must be done.

So where does that leave us? We have a Holy God who by his very nature of Holiness is Good, and must punish wrongdoings, however, he dislikes having to punish and actually laments having to do so. Hmmm... sounds a lot like me when I have to punish my kids. I must say I have never yet enjoyed punishing my kids for something, nor do I ever expect the day where I will enjoy that aspect of my parental role.

Now I have some bad news to break to some of you out there. Many people in this day and age cry “Foul” and play the victim in that life has treated them unfairly. And although this might seem the case, God certainly knows what is best for us, even if we think we know better than God. Sometimes we forget that he has more foresight and wisdom than we could only imagine, and that we seldom (actually never) have a better plan for our lives than God does.

What we must also do regularly, and here is the hard part, is accept that many of our situations are facing us because of decisions we have made without God. Now please note I didn’t say all situations, but a lot of them, if you actually sit down and be honest with yourself.

You see, one thing that can certainly be recognized from the passages above and from further passages you can find throughout the scriptures is that:

When disaster, and punishment occur in our lives, the buck stops here. We usually have no one to blame but ourselves.

Now I should take a moment to explain this a bit. Firstly, I am not saying that all trials and tribulation are a cause from our sin. The scriptures tell us that all Christians are promised trial and tribulation. What I mean by the statement 'the buck stops here' is that when disaster, trial, tribulation or 'bad things' occur in our lives, the first place to start looking for the reasons is our own lives. We need to examine ourselves and our lives and ascertain if there is some sin that God is trying to get us to address. Once we have examined ourselves (2 Cor 13:5), we are better able to recognize God's purpose in our trials. Some times, as in the case of Job, trials and tribulations occur for reasons of higher purpose. During these times we know that, although the trials hurt us now, God is faithful and promises to reward. See Job 42:12 or 1 Peter 5:9-10 as an example. We also have this passage in Christ's own words.

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." - John 9:1-3

It is how we deal personally deal with the trials and tribulation that shows the true 'mettle of a man'. The buck stops here, because our response to trial, tribulation and disaster is either one of repentance (if needed), or an acknowledgement of God using us. That we have taken up our cross and followed Him; trusting him completely by giving him 'all of us' as he has asked.

Take a look at the ultimate outcome of suffering, if we respond correctly.

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." - 2 Cor 4:17-18

You see, our final reward is in heaven. (Rev 22:12)

Now back to the topic at hand. We are concentrating on those times in our lives when troubles can be attributed to sin. Many times this cause is overlooked by the modern Christian, whereas when we look at the historical evidences through the scriptures, it is quite clear that God 'walks softly and carries a big stick' (if I could use such a term)

Imagine now being a father and you watch your kids make such poor decisions and inevitably bring disaster or hardships on themselves. Despite all the warnings you gave them, they still did things contrary to your guidance and now they are desperate for you to intervene. Sometimes even, they may blame you for their troubles. Simply heartbreaking for the father; and Likewise is God with us.

Listen to the Father’s warnings.

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way? And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. – Jeremiah 2:17-19

Therefore now thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain; In that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye be gone to dwell, that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth? -- Jeremiah 44: 7-8

When one reads the book of Jeremiah we are left with a feeling of saying “How could they have been so stupid!?!” and then yet in our own lives, we ignore the subtle nuances (and sometimes direct) of God’s warnings in our lives. We forget to ask, or in pride blaze our own trail, all the while forgetting and neglecting the wisdom of our Father in heaven.

So how do we stay God’s punishment? Well here’s a no brainer. We simply follow him. But what of our past failures and sins. Well, that’s an easy one too. But not something that should be taken lightly or half-heartedly, because the end result can have serious consequences.

God wants true repentance, Not Nice Words.

When we repent, we are more than sorry. We are desperately sorry and we strive to never do it again. We are not to simply say… “oops sorry about that” all the while knowing that we can do it again and then ask forgiveness again. Repentance is asking for forgiveness and then TURNING FROM the transgressions… forever if possible.

Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. -- Eze 18:30

You see, it is not enough for us to simply ask forgiveness and then stop from the sin we were committing, we are to turn from the sin. If we then turn from the sin, to what do we turn to?

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. -- Isa 45:22

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; -- Deuteronomy 4:29-30

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. -- Isa 55:7

It sounds easy enough, but many times we do not produce the kind of repentance that God is looking for. We wonder how we fall into the same sin, the same backsliding nature, and we make excuses before our creator, as if we are trying to ‘slip one by the old man’ so-to-speak.

God is not fooled.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. – Gal 6:7-8

The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy:

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. -- 2Ti 2:19

I liked the way Tim Layahe penned the following in this regard,

“True repentance cannot help but display itself in the new life of the one who genuinely turns away from sin and turns to God. That is why Paul said, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20, NIV). And it’s also why he taught, “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled tnd unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:15-16)

It’s completely Up to us whether we will feel God’s hand of love on our shoulders or his hand of Judgment on our backs.

The bible teaches us of two Judgment events in our future. Of which every person stands before only one. We either stand before the judgment seat of Christ (for the Christians), or we stand before the Great White throne Judgment (for the non Christians). In each case, our lives our examined and we are held accountable for ever word and action. The difference in the first, is that the Christians are judged according to how they lived for God, and receive rewards accordingly, and then are granted eternal life of peace and beauty forever in the presence of God. In the latter judgment (not attended by Christians) we would be judged for having rejected our creator in both deeds, body and spirit. And being a Good, Holy, honest and just judge, the only sentence from Him - is guilty.

You don’t believe me?

Well read through the following and judge yourself with God’s standards.

• Thou shalt not steal – Have you ever stolen anything? A pack of gum? It can be anything small, what about time from your work?
• Thou shalt not bear false witness - Have you ever lied? Even a white lie?
• Thou shalt not commit adultery – No? Jesus said if we even looked on another in lust, we have already committed adultery in our hearts. How about the question now?
• Thou shalt not murder – Or course Not? And yet the bible teaches if we hate our brother, we have already committed murder in the eyes of God. Remember to love thy enemies?
• Thou shalt not take the Lord thy God's Name in Vain - Ever done that? I don't know of too many people who haven't, even in Christian circles.

How are we doing so far? Quilty? Or not Guilty? There are more.. these are only 5 of the 10 commandments. Shall we continue? or have you heard enough?

Now comes the good part.

God has a plan that restores us.

Firstly, we know that from just this brief study, and if we look ourselves within the scriptures, that God punishes only those that have done wrong. That is, God punishes, or pours out his wrath on only those who transgressed his law. So what then if God provided a way of atonement for our transgressions, so we can avoid his wrath or punishment?

The wonderful thing about our loving God is that although he judges us, he also restores. Through the death and resurrection of his Son Christ Jesus, we can once again be restored unto the father. You see, the Judgment throne of Christ differs from that of the White throne judgment. At the White Throne Judgment, there is no bail; There is no pardon; there is no non-guilty verdict. The only destination is Hell and eternal suffering.

However at the Judgment seat of Christ, that aspect is drastically and wonderfully different. The Christians having believed in Christ Jesus and accepted His death on the Cross as payment, or pardon, for all their sins, have a much different verdict before God. Christ paid the price in full. All we have to do is accept it, and in turn live lives that are truly grateful for the price that was paid in full that day on Calvary. Now being Christian, that doesn't mean that we are perfect, quite the contrary. We are still human and therefore still sinners, but through each repentance of occuring sin, and avoiding iniquity, we remain faithful to our Christianity.

I pray for you reading, that you are one of those who have accepted this pardon.

If you are not, and would like to know more, it’s not a secret. Simply profess before God you are a sinner. Accept that Christ has died for your sin, repent of your sin, and accept that Christ died in your place on that Cross so you wouldn’t have to. Ask Christ to come into your life and minister and teach you how to live more fully in him. If you truly repent and pray for Christ to be a part of your life, then you have avoided the White Throne Judgment. You are now a part of the body of Christ and we rejoice with you in your decision and rebirth.

Please let us know here at the ministry if you have made this decision, or have questions.  We'd love to hear from you.

May we all Praise God for his goodness, for his mercy and grace. 


Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

1Th 5:9-11 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.

1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Zep 2:2-3 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.

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