For a generation that values “tolerance” above all other virtues, no fact is more distressing than the Final Judgment. Through his Son Jesus Christ, God the Father will show himself intolerant of every thought, word, and deed that does not live up to the expectations of his righteousness. In the end, how to get through the Final Judgment will turn out to be life’s one, great, insurmountable problem.
Christianity Today has done the church a big favor by publishing this article by Trevin Wax, a blogger from the camp of the “new Calvinists.” Take a moment to read it. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
This article is outstanding. One of the best pieces of writing I have read in years! So few seem able to understand that “Love is his (God's) essential attribute” and that “The wrath of God is based in his love.” This one concept powerfully transforms our view of God from the “bipolar” view that is too often expressed (probably unintended) to the full expression of true love expressed throughout the scriptures. How wrath can be an expression of God's love seems tough for most conservative Christians to comprehend. We are hobbled by our superficial understanding of love.
Steve L: Great comment. You picked up on a key point in this article, and this was the only reservation I had with this article. It seemed to be an overs implication. Yes, at times God's wrath is an expression of his jealousy/love. However, at other times it is an expression of his righteous indignation, his holiness, and his hatred of evil. Just a thought.
Bill, you give me much meat to chew on. I hope my teeth can hold out! I need to give this more thought and check my theology. It will take me some time to consider what you say. I'm not sure why but I have the impression that God's love is inseparable from righteous indignation, his holiness, and his hatred of evil. I feel a bit uncomfortable with compartmentalization of attributes from that of love. But at the same time, I can't honestly say why. Do I have a biblical basis or one rooted in the Hebraic cultural understanding or something else? I'm not sure. More to think about which is one of many things I like about GCF church — it is a church full of thinkers.