What About God’s Wrath?

The topic of God’s wrath has at times caused some to question the goodness of God. Some come to the conclusion that God’s wrath and his love for mankind cannot co-exist. That conclusion did not seem to be a problem for Paul as he wrote his letter to the Romans. In his first chapter, Paul wrote that the “wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1:18)” Taking the statement by itself it is easy to associate Paul’s words with some form of God’s punishment. However, that conclusion would ignore what Paul had previously written in Romans 1:16-17. In those verses he had previously declared that the Gospel of Jesus is the power of God to save men from unrighteousness to righteousness.

The Gospel reveals God’s declaration of war against unrighteousness. His intent is to transform men, not punish them. In this way unrighteousness in men is destroyed like a disease is overcome through a powerful treatment. Understanding Paul’s reference to God’s wrath in verse 18 in the light of what he had just written about the Gospel in 16-17, reveals that Paul was not referring to God’s punishing men, but to his intent on saving them from unrighteousness, including self-righteousness, and ungodliness. When God saves an individual, he does more than change his behavior; he changes his heart. The Gospel is not a self-help program, anymore than a diseased organ can be cured by a behavioral change, outside help is needed. The proclaimed Gospel is the power of God to overpower unrighteousness and ungodliness that lurks, hidden within the human heart. Therefore, Paul’s reference to God’s wrath is a description of the Gospel overcoming the ills in humanity.

“The problem is that evil resides in places that laws and regulatory agencies cannot touch. It resides in he human heart, which only the Spirit of God can touch and bring healing to. Jesus’ final prayer command (deliver us from evil) touches the issue of evil in the human heart. It is a recognition that only the Spirit of God can protect us from evil that has invaded every area of human existence – the community, schools, and even the nuclear family.” (Outrageous Prayer, pg. 154)