The Lord approached them in order to evaluate—with them—the crime they had committed and to pass judgment on it. Through a process of judgment, in which questions were asked and answers given, God was leading them to recognize that they were indeed guilty and that their rebellion was unjustified. The result was separation from the Lord, represented by their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
What is God’s reaction to sin? Eph. 5:6. How are we to understand the idea of God’s wrath?
We should keep several things in mind when we talk about God's wrath. First, human anger is not a model for understanding His wrath. Our anger is often irrational and damaging. God's wrath is untouched by sin and is primarily intended for healing (Heb. 12:6, Rev. 20:15–21:1). Second, God's wrath against human sin testifies that He takes us seriously, that He does not ignore us—even in our rebellion. Ignoring people can reveal disrespect, even unconcern. He reacts to our sin, and in so doing God tells us that we are important to Him. Third, God's wrath is not a permanent attribute of God but His reaction to the irrational presence of sin and evil. There is always a reason for it; sin provokes it (Deut. 4:24, 25). Therefore His wrath is momentary, while His love endures forever (Isa. 54:8).
Because of sin, what was needed was Someone who could deliver us from “the coming wrath” (1 Thess. 1:10, NIV).
If you love someone and see him or her hurt, would you not feel anger about what was happening? How can this parallel help us understand the meaning of God’s wrath?
2 comments:
Read Genesis 3:8–13. How did the Lord approach Adam and Eve after they sinned? What was the purpose of the questions He asked them?
God approached them as if He, the all knowing creator of the universe, were searching for them. This obviously He knew. His series of questions He asked were not to gather information. God knows all things and I believe His line of questioning were more directed to them as a way of giving them a chance to admit their wrong doing. As a God of perfect love, they could have ran to God confessing their acts and taking responsibility and forgiveness could have been given. But instead Adam blamed Eve which passed the buck down to the serpent telling God it deceived her her.
What is God’s reaction to sin? Eph. 5:6. How are we to understand the idea of God’s wrath?
Ephesians 5 gives us an outline of disobedience that calls upon God's wrath. Just as our hearts are above all things naturally wicked and our fallen state draws us to sin as metal to a magnet, so is God's wrath drawn to come upon disobedience to His law. Lucky for us, however, his grace & forgiveness are plentiful when we repent and ask.
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