You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who has ever resisted his will?” But who indeed are you—a mere human being—to talk back to God? Does what is molded say to the molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special use and another for ordinary use? But what if God, willing to demonstrate his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath prepared for destruction? And what if he is willing to make known the wealth of his glory on the objects of mercy that he has prepared beforehand for glory—even us, whom he has called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? As he also says in Hosea: “I will call those who were not my people, ‘My people,’ and I will call her who was unloved, ‘My beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:19-26 NET
It is a profound question: Why does God still find fault
with humanity? Many possible explanations come to mind, but one
reason stands out as definitive and is affirmed by Scripture. I believe God
identifies our shortcomings for a singular, compelling purpose: to ensure that
no individual can claim glory for themselves in relation to God’s sovereignty.
The natural desires and ambitions of humanity must be put to death and
metaphorically nailed to the cross of Christ. Only through the empowerment of
the Holy Spirit can we engage in actions that truly reflect God’s glory. While it may seem like a nuanced point, it is a fundamental truth—the only truth
that has the power to rescue us from our own failings.
This brings us to an important consideration: What is it
that God perceives in us that inspires such deep care for our well-being? Why
does He invest so much effort in our lives? The answer lies in the
extraordinary investment God has made in humanity—one that is beyond our full
understanding. His investment is not merely abstract; it is profoundly
personal. By imprinting His image and likeness in each of us, God ensures that
we carry a piece of the divine nature within us. This connection is so strong
that even when we stray far from Him through our choices and actions, He
refuses to completely abandon us. His desire for our redemption reflects a deep
and abiding love, one that seeks to build our relationship with Him regardless
of our circumstances.
Paul is a master apologist who skillfully employs a range of
descriptive concepts and ideas to deliver a consistent and profound message:
God loves us unconditionally and remains steadfastly faithful to humanity. No
matter the choices we make, the pathway to redemption is always within reach.
Paul also discusses the concept of God’s wrath, which is often interpreted in
ways that paint God as capricious or vindictive. Many people view God through a
lens shaped by specific religious teachings, particularly those of the Catholic
Church, which sometimes depict God as being unpredictable and quick to
anger, almost as if God is a rage-filled deity who punishes indiscriminately.
This interpretation has historical roots, notably in events
such as the Crusades, where there were forays launched by the
Catholic Church starting in 1096 and continuing until 1204. These Crusades were
not solely religious endeavors but also political expansions executed with
violence and coercion, all purportedly in the name of Christ. This violent
history contributes to a perception of God as vengeful and wrathful—a view that
many struggle with even today.
So, why do people hold this belief that God is vengeful? At
the core, it stems from a tendency to anthropomorphize God—interpreting His
nature and emotions through the lens of human experiences. Many believe that
God’s feelings mirror our own emotions, which leads to the misconception of God’s
wrath. However, this understanding neglects the vast difference between human
and divine nature. While we often affirm that God is love, we simultaneously
harbor fears that we will also face His wrath.
But what exactly is God’s wrath? In biblical context, God’s
actions toward humanity emerge from His deep and unwavering love for His
creation, a love that is constant and unchanging. Unlike human beings, for whom
love can sometimes be a choice influenced by circumstances, God’s essence is
inherently love. When considering the concept of anger, it’s crucial to ask:
How does God’s wrath align with His love? The two are fundamentally
incompatible; God’s nature is not characterized by anger. In our lives, anger
is not a primary emotion; it is a reaction to something else that is happening more deeply within our lives. Anger is a response rooted in deeper feelings such as
fear, hurt, or betrayal.
This idea is reinforced in Scripture, which contains the
phrase “fear not” or its variations—such as “do not be
afraid”—approximately 365 times. This frequent repetition serves as a
reminder that God desires us to live without fear, especially fear of Him, providing
comfort and reassurance throughout each day of the year. Rather than viewing
God as a figure of wrath or anger, we are encouraged to understand Him as the
embodiment of love through His son Jesus, inviting us into a relationship grounded in grace and hope.
In the Bible, God’s wrath is an oblique reference to the
sufferings we face, helping us become aware of His love. These difficulties
serve a greater purpose: to open our hearts and minds to the depth of His love
and grace. We must recognize that God does not trade love for hate
in response to our disobedience or rebellion; or in other words, He does not inflict punitive punishments upon us for our mistakes or misdeeds. Instead, in
an act of immense love and mercy, He sent His Son, Jesus, to bear the
penalty for our sins and reconcile us to Himself.
This sacrifice of Jesus, who lived a sinless life and
willingly accepted death on the cross, fulfills the demands of justice while
offering us grace. As a result, God’s wrath—His righteous response to sin—has
been completely satisfied through Christ’s atonement. For those who choose to
believe in Him, this means that we are no longer under the weight of
condemnation; instead, we are enveloped in a state of abiding love and kindness
from God. This shift illustrates the transformative power of faith, as we come
to know and trust in the boundless love that God has for us.
The love and favor of God are inclusive, extending to all
people regardless of their background or status. This divine election is based
not on human merit or achievement but solely upon God’s grace—a profound gift
freely given. In his writing, Paul cites a significant passage from the prophet
Hosea to reinforce his argument. God declares that those who were previously
destined for destruction are now transformed into vessels through which He will
manifest the richness of His glory by demonstrating His mercy. This mercy,
prepared in advance, encompasses individuals from both Jewish and Gentile
backgrounds alike.
In this transformative message, God states, “I will call
those who were not my people, ‘My people,’ and I will call her who was unloved,
‘My beloved.’” This declaration signifies a radical shift in identity and
belonging, emphasizing acceptance and love for those who have been marginalized
or deemed unworthy. Furthermore, in the very place where it was once
proclaimed, “You are not my people,” these individuals will be granted a new
identity as “sons of the living God.” This change reflects a divine purpose
that transcends human understanding, revealing that the foundation of God’s
grace and His redemptive plan was established long before the creation of the
world. In this narrative, we see the immense depth of God’s love, which seeks
out and embraces all who turn to Him.
Stephen Barnett
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