SAVED FROM WRATH

SAVED
FROM
WRATH
AND
SAVED
FOR
EVER

Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

A Baptist Pulpit Publication
SAVED FROM WRATH

DEDICATION

I cannot conceive of a worse situation than for a man to hope for salvation and not have the assurance of it. While I must admit that this is possible, I am somewhat skeptic that it is in reality so, and I certainly believe that in light of Scripture, such condition is not necessary.

In these pages I have tried to set forth in a positive way, the way of absolute sovereign grace in salvation and the blessedness of a know-so-salvation. That the one who is truly born again is saved from the wrath of God is based upon the fact that Jesus Christ took that wrath upon Himself when “he who knew no sin was made sin for us.”

Finite man has the tendency to think that surely there is something he must do to secure his own salvation. It is hard for man in the flesh to rest in the finished work of Christ on Calvary’s tree and to know that which Paul speaks of when he says, “for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure”- Philippians 2:13.

I dedicate this work to all those who accept the words of Jesus Christ as repeated three times in John chapter 6 – “And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

The true believer, elect in Christ from before the foundation of the world will never face the wrath of God in this life or the next. Those who think otherwise do not understand the meaning of the word “wrath” and need to take another look at Calvary!

“My hope is in the Lord – who gave Himself for me, and paid the price of all my sin at Calvary. For me He died, for me He lives, and everlasting life and light He freely gives.”

Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

Toronto, Canada – January 27 2006

Dewey Decimal Number – 234.1DPT

All rights to copy or reprint these notes are reserved by the author and copy permission will be granted to missionaries and churches for free distribution only, by writing to –

BAPTIST PULPIT MINISTRIES

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First Printing- January 2006

SAVED FROM WRATH

Text: Romans 5:9

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

INTRODUCTION:

The word “wrath” is one of those Bible terms that are clearly misunderstood by many. Theologians line up on either side of it, and some even divide it into two and try to walk in the midst of it. In this lesson we will endeavor to take a close look at the Biblical reference to this word and in so doing try to make some common sense out of it.

This preacher of course lines up on the side of absolute sovereign grace, which I believe we shall see, even if we go no further than our text; that God’s wrath is clearly on the opposite side of the fence to salvation by grace alone.

The opposite of wrath is the justice of God achieved through the vicarious death and shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross. This salvation was achieved for us in Christ’s death upon the cross of Calvary. Clearly we read in the Bible -

John 5:24 – “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

I want to look at this subject under the following outline-

1. Reality of Wrath.

2. Reason for Wrath.

3. Rescue From Wrath.

1. REALITY OF WRATH:

To deny the reality of God’s wrath in favor of His love is to present a one sided theological picture of God, to say the least. We cannot see God as merely a God of love and deny His being righteous and just. God’s love, righteous and justice all go together. There can be no salvation without justice and vice versa.

A. Meaning of the Word Wrath:

Before we should proceed any further we need to take a close look at the meaning of the word “wrath”.

There are three Greek words translated as “wrath” in the authorized (KJV) version of the Bible. These words should be read and interpreted within the immediate context of the scripture where they are used.

They are –

1. “orge” (orghn) used of anger

2. “Thumos” (yumou) - hot anger, passion, is translated “wrath” in Luke 4:28; Acts 19:28; Romans 2:8 (RV) Galatians 5:20; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; Hebrews 11:27; Revelation 12:12; 14:8,10,19; 15:1,7; 16:1; 18:3;

It is translated “wraths” in 2 Corinthians 12:20; “fierceness” in Revelation 16:19; 19:15.

3. “Parorgismos” (parorgismw) - occurs in Ephesians 4:26

The verb “porogizo” –to provoke to wrath is used in Ephesians 6:4

(From W.E. Vine- Expository Dictionary of New Testament words)

Note Bagster translates the Greek word “thumos” (yumou) “fury” in Revelation 14:10

Bagster translates the Greek word “parorgismos” (parorgismw umwn) “your provocation” in Ephesians 4:26.

The Greek word “orge” (orghn) is translated “wrath” in 1 Thessalonians 5:9

There is another word used in the Authorized Version which while not the same exactly is certainly connected to the idea of God’s wrath:

That word is “condemnation” or “judgment”.

I am not going to go into every usage of this word as there are several Greek words translated “condemnation” or “condemn”, or judgment, in the authorized (KJV) version. That I fail to see is necessary, but will deal with those that are basic or of main usage. That should suffice to prove my point that no true believer in Jesus Christ in this age of grace will ever face the wrath of God upon this world. God always deals differently with His own people than He does with the world at large.

Condemnation:

John 3:18 – “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Dr. A.T. Robertson the Baptist Greek scholar says:

“{Is not judged} (ou krinetai). Present passive indicative. Trust in Christ prevents condemnation, for he takes our place and pays the penalty for sin for all who put their case in his hands (#Romans 8:32). The believer in Christ as Savior does not come into judgment (#John 5:24). {Hath been judged already} (hdh kekritai). Perfect passive indicative of krinw. Judgment has already been passed on the one who refuses to believe in Christ as the Savior sent by the Father, the man who is not willing to come to Christ for life (#5:40). {Because he hath not believed} (oti mh pepisteuken). Perfect active indicative of pisteuw, has taken a permanent attitude of refusal. Here oti mh states the reason subjectively as the judgment of the Judge in any such case (o mh pisteuwn already mentioned) while in #1 John 5:10 oti ou pepisteuken gives the reason objectively (ou instead of mh) conceived as an actual case and no longer hypothetical. See #1:12 for eiv to onoma with pisteuw (believing on the name) and #1:14 for monogenouv (only begotten) and also #3:16.”

Jesus is clearly saying-“there is no judgment for the one who “hears” His word and “believes” on Him that sent him into the world. Such a one is passed from death unto life.

Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

The saved man walks after the Spirit – he is not under the sentence of death (judgment) therefore God’s wrath is not upon him.

Dr. A. T. Robertson says-

“(ouden katakrima). As sinners we deserved condemnation in our unregenerate state in spite of the struggle. But God offers pardon "to those in Christ Jesus (toiv en cristw ihsou). This is Paul’s Gospel. The fire has burned on and around the Cross of Christ. There and there alone is safety. Those in Christ Jesus can lead the consecrated, the crucified, the baptized life.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 – “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Every man has an appointment with God and with death- Hebrews 10:27-28

God has not appointed the saved of the gospel age to face his wrath, His judgment upon the wickedness of this world, but to obtain salvation provided for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is a very broad word and stretches out for God’s elect from eternity to eternity. It began with the decree and election of God in eternity past and is consummated by glorification in eternity to come. (We are yet in time.) We shall deal more fully with this verse later, suffice to say, for the believer there is no condemnation-no judgment, no anger or wrath for God’s justice has been met in the Person of Jesus Christ, in His vicarious death and redeeming blood, shed for the remission of our sins.

My friend you stand either in Christ, free from wrath; or you stand-alone condemned.

B. Members of Wrath:

Romans 1:18 – “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”

Clearly God’s wrath is upon those who continue to live apart from the salvation that is in Jesus Christ. It is important to distinguish between the saved and the lost, those who are appointed unto salvation and those who are appointed unto wrath.

1. All sinners are under the sentence of death –Romans 3:10-23; 5:12-19; 6:23.

What else did Jesus mean when we read in John 3:18?

“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

When one of God’s elect is snatched from the world by the gospel he is found to be “not condemned”, those who remain aloof from Jesus Christ for any reason, stand already condemned first by their non-action and secondly by their action. Scripture teaches, - Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Jeremiah 5:25 – “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.”

Therefore when we say “all sinners”, we mean every person ever born because the Bible shows us all to be sinners, lost and condemned.

Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Even God’s elect are living under condemnation until regenerated by the Spirit of God - Ephesians 2:1 – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Colossians 2:13 – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”

2. Some sinners are chosen to salvation in Jesus Christ –

Ephesians 1:4 – “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”

1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

(Read the entire second chapter of Ephesians.)

3. Other sinners are left to themselves to follow their own wicked nature and final judgment in hell and the Lake of fire.

Matthew 15:14 – “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 – “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.

For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”

2. REASON FOR WRATH:

You have probably figured this out already, but I want to look more into the reason for the wrath of God. God’s wrath is justified by His holiness, His law and His justice. In one word, “just who God is, makes His wrath right, proper and necessary.

A. The Person of God:

Volumes have been written on this subject; Arthur Pink has an excellent book entitled, “The Sovereignty of God”. Systematic Theologies take up the subject quite well. Dr. Charles Hodge (while a Presbyterian-of the Old School) takes up the challenge of presenting God in a Scriptural light. While I do not agree with him on a number of things, he does very well on the Doctrines of Grace. Likewise Dr. J.L. Dagg; Dr. James P. Boyce; Dr. A.H. Strong. Dr. Thomas Paul Simmons has an excellent Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine. I have several others in my library, and none of these are final word on any subject, but well worth the study.

Here in our study space will allow but some of the basics as we look at this vast subject –

1. God is eternal – God always existed and He alone is the sovereign creator of the world and vast universe- Genesis 1:1.

Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.”

In the days of Christopher Columbus religion was so estranged from God’s Word that they thought the world to be flat. However, well did the Bible state-

Isaiah 40:22 – “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.”

Psalm 47:8 – “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.”

While the Bible assumes the existence of God, all of nature, the universe itself speaks of the existence of a “Supreme Deity.”

Psalm 14:1 – “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”

“We cannot prove that God is, but we can show that, in order to the existence of any knowledge, thought, reason, in man, man must assume that God is” – (A.H. Strong- Systematic Theology pg 34).

For these reasons we will not attempt to prove the existence of God, (and there is ample proof to an open mind) but rather we will introduce the Scriptural accounts of His Divine Person.

2. God is often portrayed as someone whom we ought to be afraid of, or He is nicknamed, “the man upstairs” and other such phrases that distance mankind from God. This of course is not the God of the Bible who in the beginning created man in His own image, placed him in the world (Eden) gave him dominion over it and all it contained; God walked and communicated personally with man.

3. However, since we are looking here primarily at the nature of God let us learn some things about Him as taught in the Bible.

a) God is a Spirit – Some would make a large effort to look at God in human terms and while this is possible, it is so only to a degree. The infinite cannot be totally measured in finite terms. For example in talking about the Trinity, most theologians use the word “persons” and while this may be somewhat helpful it can and is in my humble opinion, very wrong. The word persons as defined by Daniel Webster refers to humans. The word that best describes the Trinity, I would say is “beings”.

Jesus referred to God as “a Spirit” – John 4:24 – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Man is never spoken of as being a spirit while inhabiting a human body.

Luke 24:39 – “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

Genesis 2:7 – “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

1 Corinthians 15:45 – “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”

Colossians 1:15 – “Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”

b) God is One:

This statement is meant to affirm His unity (Simmons) his essence is homogeneous, undivided and indivisible.

Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

Isaiah 44:6 – “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

John 17:3 – “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

1 Corinthians 8:4 – “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.”

1 Timothy 1:17 – “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Thomas Paul Simmons says – “It is irrational to assume the existence of a plurality of gods, when one will explain all the facts. Also the passages which represent God as infinite and perfect (Psalm 145:3; Job 11:7-9; Matthew 5:48) are indirect proofs of His unity; for infinity and absolute perfection are possible only to one. Two such beings could not exist, for each would limit the other. (Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine –Page 62).

4. THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD: The true meaning of the word “attribute” in its application to persons or things means something belonging to persons or things- Dr. James Pendleton.

Dr. James P. Boyce (Abstract of Systematic Theology- Pg 65 -) “The attributes of God are those peculiarities which mark or define the mode of His existence, or which constitute His character. They are not Separate or separate from His essence or nature, and yet are not that essence, but simply have ground or cause of their existence in it, and are at the same time the peculiarities which constitute the mode and character of His being.”

Most theologians divide the attributes of God into two classes:

a) Self-existence:

God has always existed – He does not arrive at His existence from any other Being that lived or existed before or prior to Him- He has no father and no mother. The term “Mother of God” is unscriptural and a very misleading heresy of the Roman Catholic Church.

b) Immutability:

By immutability we mean that God is unchanging in His nature and purposes.

God is incapable of change, either in duration of life, in nature, in character, will or happiness. (J.P Boyce-ibid)

Scripture that teaches the general immutability of God are –

Psalm 102:27

“But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.”

Malachi 3:6

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

The Scriptures teach specifically the immutability of God’s will –

Numbers 23:18

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

1 Samuel 15:29

“And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.”

Job 23:13

“But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.”

Psalm 33:11

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”

Proverbs 19:21

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Isaiah 46:10

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

Hebrews 6:17

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath.”

c) Holiness: “The holiness of God is His perfect moral and spiritual excellence. God is perfectly pure, sinless, and righteous in Himself. Holiness is the ground of all other moral attributes in God. The holiness of God was typified by the immaculate dress of the High Priest when he entered the Holy of Holies” – (Thomas Paul Simmons-ibid).

It is ludicrous to think of God in any terms others than absolutely pure and holy.

The holiness of God is declared throughout scripture but especially in the following passages -

Joshua 24:19

“And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.”

Psalm 22:3

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”

Psalm 99:9

“Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.”

Isaiah 5:16

“But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Isaiah 6:3

“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

John 17:11

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”

1 Peter 1:15-16

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

The holiness of God causes him to abhor sin, and, therefore, gives rise to His justice, which will be considered under relative attributes - (TPS-ibid).

5. RELATIVE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD: Relative attributes are those that are seen because of God’s connection with time and creation –

There are seven (7) relative attributes of God:

a) Eternity: God has no beginning and He can have no end. God is never limited or conditioned by time.

Dr. A.H. Strong says – “God is not in time. It is more correct to say that time is in God. Although there is logical succession in God’s thoughts, there is no chronological succession” – (Systematic Theology-Pg 130).

“We speak often of eternity past and eternity future with time stuck in between. That may help us finite beings understand things better but in God’s thinking eternity is a circle, infinitely great – all the circumference with creation thronged: God at the center dwells, beholding all. And as we move in this eternal round, the finite portion which alone we see, behind us is the past; what lies before we call the future. But to Him who dwells far at the center, equally remote from every point of the circumference, both are alike, the future and the past” – (George L. Murphy, Scientific Basis, pg 90).

b) Omnipresence – This means that God is always present at the same moment throughout His creation. He is everywhere at the same time.

Psalm 139:7-10

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

Jeremiah 23:23-24

“Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”

c) Omniscience: God has always possessed all knowledge and wisdom, in eternity and in time.

1 John 3:20

“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”

God’s omniscience is seen in the fact that He is infinite. It is also seen by the fact of His immutability. There is nothing new to God; He does not have to learn, as he possesses all knowledge.

Ephesians 1:11 – “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”

Only an omniscient God could work all things after the counsel of His own will.

God’s omniscience includes perfect foreknowledge. God knows and has known all things that ever happen from eternity past. He foresaw from eternity, everything that would ever happen if he had prevented them. This God could not do if His immutable purpose had been different from what it is at any given point. God knows all things because He planned it all in His absolute sovereignty.

d) Omnipotence: This means that God is “all powerful” – the Almighty!

Genesis 17:1

“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

Matthew 19:26

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

The Bible speaks of God’s omnipotence, His being all-powerful, from beginning to end. The question has often been asked, “Is God limited or does He ever limit Himself? This of course is not too easily answered because it is what we call “a loaded question?”

Dr. Thomas Paul Simmons has this note: “The omnipotence of God does not mean, of course, that He can do all things that are logically absurd or things that are against His will. He cannot lie, because holiness of His character prevents Him from willing to lie. And He cannot create a rock larger than He can lift; nor both an irresistible power and an immoveable object; nor can He draw a line between two points shorter than a straight one; nor put two mountains adjacent to one another without creating a valley between them. He cannot do any of these things because they are not objects of power. They are self-contradictory and logically absurd. They would violate laws that God has ordained, and thus cause God to cross Himself. - (Thomas Paul Simmons-Pg 69-ibid).

e) Veracity: This means God’s truthfulness and faithfulness in His revelation to and dealings with His creation in general and particularly with His redeemed people. In other words, we can believe what God clearly says even if in our finite minds we do not easily comprehend it. This is especially true when it comes to God’s written word, the Bible.

John 9:33

“If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.”

Romans 1:25

“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

Romans 3:4

“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”

1 Corinthians 1:9

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2 Corinthians 1:20

“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

1 Thessalonians 5:24

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

Titus 1:2

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”

Hebrews 6:18

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.”

1 Peter 4:19

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

Isaiah 46:11

“Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”

f) Love: Love is also a much-abused word in our world, especially today. It is not even readily understood by many who profess to be Christians.

The word love is used in our English Bible in different ways or senses when attributed to God and His dealings with His creatures. The Greek has several words to express our one English word “love”. Sometimes it refers to mere goodness in bestowing natural benefits to mankind in general.

Psalm 145:9

“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

Matthew 18:33

“Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?”

Luke 6:35

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”

Matthew 5:44-45

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

However, God’s redeeming love is sovereign, discriminating and particular. He says, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” - Romans 9:13. Of God it is emphatically declared: “Thou hatest all workers of iniquity” - Psalm 5:5.

The love of God (Greek-agape) is the basis of the New Covenant Jesus issued in, it is the root of that which fulfilled the Law of Moses and brought deliverance to God’s elect. Love is “the law of Christ” and the guideline or regulatory principle for life in the New Testament Church.

Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

John 13:34

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

1 John 4:21

“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

Galatians 6:2

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

There is no true love apart from God and His Son Jesus Christ. It is certain that if one cannot see the love of God, then he/she has not seen or felt the benefit of Calvary – John 3:16.

6. The Will of God: We cannot rightly study the Person of God without addressing the subject of God’s will.

In speaking about the will of God we address the following-

a) God’s faculty of self-determination and choice.

b) The inherent preference of God.

c) The purpose and plan of God.

The first question we need to ask in addressing this subject is, “What are the qualities of God’s will? God’s will theologically speaking and of course in practice is greatly misunderstood. Certain theologians do not help the issue.

One whose doctrine is rooted in what is called Arminianism and Pelagianism cannot rightly understand the Scriptures as to the “will of God.”

QUALITIES OF GOD’S WILL:

a) Freedom:

“Freedom of will is not constrained by anything outside the nature of the one possessing it. However the will cannot act independent of or contrary to the character of the one possessing it. In the freedom of the will we have a moral being preferring, choosing, and determining courses of action in view of motives. Motives influence, but do not constrain the will. The relative strength of motives is determined by character. The will of God is never subject to caprice or arbitrariness” - (From Thomas Paul Simmons-ibid).

Remember that we are here talking about God and not man whose freedom and will has been infected by and an Adamic sin nature.

b) Power:

“We speak of the lack of will-power in some men. This is not so with God. In man it is resulted in the perversity of his character or nature through sin. God does not lack in will power. That which He has willed -He will do it. God’s character is not effected by sin, it is perfectly holy. God always wills that which in line with His holiness justice and good.

Ezekiel 24:14

“I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.”

1 Thessalonians 5:24

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

Genesis 41:32

“And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.”

c) Immutability: Because God is immutable- likewise His will is immutable.

“God’s will is but the expression of His immutable nature and character, and thus it is necessarily immutable” – (Simmons-ibid).

God will never change His purpose or plan.

PHASES OF GOD’S WILL:

1. God’s will of Purpose:

God has purposed or decreed all things that have come to pass and all things that shall ever come to pass.

The following passages show the absolute sovereignty of God.

Psalm 135:6

“Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”

Isaiah 46:10

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

Daniel 4:35

“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

Acts 2:23

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”

Acts 4:27-28

“For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”

Acts 13:48

“And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”

Romans 8:29-30

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Romans 9:15-18

“For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.”

Ephesians 1:11

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”

These, and there are others, are the general references within the Bible to the absolute sovereignty of God.

This sovereignty can be better understood in human terms if we look at it then under the following two sub-headings or points.

a) God’s Positive Purpose:

God is the active, positive cause of all good. Everything good is the result of the efficient (or effectual) working of God’s power, either directly or through His creatures.

Paul in writing to the Philippian Church talks of God’s positive purpose - Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Our salvation from “A” to “Z”; from beginning to end, is the result of God’s positive purpose. Therefore we would agree with that Prince of Preachers, Charles H. Spurgeon, who said, “Salvation is ALL of Grace.”

b) God’s Permissive Purpose:

This is an area that gives some Christians, in fact some pastors and theologian’s trouble. While it is one thing to say we believe in the absolute sovereignty of God, some do not know where to put such things as sin, evil, the devil and even final retribution.

To be gin with it should be clear that God is an absolute sovereign. Secondly we need to understand that, “God is not the cause of evil”.

This is not contradictory as we shall see – but it is paradoxical we readily admit.

We would have to be really blind and dumb to not see that God does, for His own sovereign reasons, plan and purpose, permit many things to take place in this world. He permits or allows such evil as comes to pass and to overrule it when He sees fit, for His own glory.

I realize that some do not like the words “God permits”, but we cannot hide our heads in the sand and pretend that evil does not exist and quite obviously while our sovereign God reigns. It is to God’s permissive will that the Psalmist points –

Psalm 76:10

“Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.”

God restrains men from committing more sin than He is pleased to overrule for His glory.

We can give no reason as to why God permits sin that will satisfy the carnal mind; but that He does so is very clear. Know this however; that no sin will go unpunished and man will never get away with wrongdoing. Examples: Pharaoh, all of the kings of the great Empires, Hitler, Mussolini, even those terrorists in our own day. Then of course there is Satan Himself and the trying of Job as well as all that God permits Satan to do.

Acts 2:23 and 4:27-28 – gives a clear statement that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was apart of the purpose or decretive will of God. However it is ludicrous to say that God directly caused those wicked men to do what they did. He simply stood back and allowed it (permitted) for His own purpose, which of course was to our good end as well, because “Christ died for us.”

Man will commit any sin that God will permit him to commit.

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus) and His making of some vessels unto dishonor (Romans 9:21) are to be understood as coming under God’s permissive purpose.

(The above is in part taken from “A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine by Dr. Thomas Paul Simmons – I have reworded some and added thereto.)

The following is a direct quote- (Simmons-ibid)

The careful student will note that it is implied in the foregoing discussion that God’s permission of sin is not a bare or necessary permission, such as Arminians are willing to admit and such as is exemplified in a man’s permission of that which he cannot prevent; but is a sovereign, providential, willing, and purposeful permission of that which God has full power to prevent had He so willed. With regard to Adam’s sin, John Gill aptly remarks: “There was a concourse of divine providence attending this action, and influencing it as an action, without which it could never have been performed; as divine providence supports every wicked man in his being throughout the whole course of his vicious life, (determining circumstances and occasions of all his acts), and so while he is sinning; the same providence upheld (and surrounded) Adam in his being, whilst he was eating of the forbidden fruit; otherwise as Eve could not have stretched out her hand and taken the fruit of the tree and eaten it, so neither could Adam have put forth his hand and taken it of her. The influence of divine providence concur with every action, be it what it may, as an action, since all live, and move, and have their being in God; every action, as an action is from God; BUT THE OBLIGQUITY, IRREGULARITY, AND SINFULNESS OF THE ACTION, IS FROM THE CREATURE: WHEREFORE GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF ANY SIN; AS HE IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF SIN IN ANY MAN, NOTWITHSTANDING THE CONCOURSE OF HIS PROVIDENCE WITH EVERY ACTION OF HIS, AS AN ACTION …(Dr. John Gill-Body of Divinity- Page 319)

Because those who hold to the five points of the doctrines of Grace have recognized this truth as set forth in Scriptures that ascribe evil to God, and have been unwilling to divorce God’s permission of sin from His decrees; Arminians have accused them of making God the author of sin. However such men like John Gill have shown logical ground for that repudiation. This I believe includes Jean Calvin Himself.

Some such scriptures are as follows –

Exodus 7:3-4; 1 Samuel 18:10; 2 Samuel 24:1; compared with 1 Chronicles 21:1; John 12:40; Acts 4:27-28; Romans 9:18.

2. God’s Will of Approbation:

Here we will look at those things, which show God’s attitude toward things considered separately and apart from their relationship to His eternal purpose. We then see that sin is never pleasing to God. God never approves of sin as a thing within itself, but He has decreed by His most wise and holy design to allow men to use the powers He gives them to commit sin.

We see then both the distinction and harmony between God’s will of purpose and His will of approbation.

Theologians sometimes use different names for this phase of God’s will. Some will say “God’s revealed will; others use the phrase perceptive will, or directive will; will of command; will of desire; and will of pleasure. There is nothing basically wrong with these other phrases, but “Will of Approbation” seems to best fit the case.

God’s will of purpose embraces both evil and good, while His will of approbation includes only that which is good within itself.

God’s will of purpose is fully accomplished while His will of approbation is, at best, accomplished only very imperfectly on earth.

However we can be sure that all that God allows to come to pass will be under His control – and when God says “enough”. Then that which he permits is finished and He alone will get the glory for it. One cannot rightly read the Book of Revelation without clearly seeing this. Or look at that, which God permitted concerned Jesus Christ and the cross of Calvary.

Psalm 115:3

“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”

Psalm 135:6

“Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”

Isaiah 46:10

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

On this basis we understand Ezekiel 33:11

“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”

Note: This is physical death- not spiritual death mentioned here- but its relationship to the will of God is the same.

Romans 11:33-36

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

God’s word reveals the broad principles and basic truths. The Holy Spirit uses that Word to apply these principles and truths to the circumstances and details of every-day life. The Holy Spirit reveals these principles and truths as to the calling, capacity, and plan in which God would have each individual serve Him.

Finally, God’s will of approbation, as revealed in His Word, fixes man’s responsibility. God’s will and purpose has been decreed and are called in scripture, the secret things. God’s will of approbation are the things revealed to us in His Word.

Deuteronomy 29:29

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

B. The Patience of God:

We cannot understand the Scriptures concerning the wrath of God, without understanding His patience. I remember when I was quite young (I do not remember who it was) that someone showed me an illustration that I have used many times over the years in my teaching ministry. If we take a coin and put it in our eye (with the other one closed) we can see nothing, not even the coin. As we move the coin further and further away from our eye we can begin to see more and more around us – eventually we will see the coin and then it too gets smaller.

When sinful men look to the Bible, all they can see is their own wickedness and a God of eternal retribution. When the Holy Spirit begins to work in their heart, He opens the Scriptures so that while they see and understand their own depravity, they see Jesus Christ lifted up high on a cross (the just dying for the unjust).

I am sure many of you have looked at the Bible have seen God as the righteous Judge, sitting on a throne and condemning men to hell. Now while it is true that God is a righteous Judge and that multitudes of men will end in hell and the Lake of fire. It is likewise true that God has a people in this world whom He will call out, save, and justify, leading them to heaven.

Let me put it this way; If God had of sent Adam and Eve to hell, where would you and I be today? God’s plan and purpose is seen to be very loving and patient. The very fact that he allows so many downright vicious men to live is proof of His love, patience and grace.

The parable that Jesus tells of the one lost sheep certainly shows us the patience of Christ the Good Shepherd – Luke 15:4,7.

Jesus patience is seem in His prayer to the Father- John 17:12

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” See John 18:8-9.

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Romans 15:5

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”

We must remember that God looks down upon our world from the center of eternity – time is reserved for mankind and this world only –

Psalm 90:4

“For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.”

2 Peter 3:8 –

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Lamentations 3:22

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”

Malachi 3:6

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

We need to take these things into consideration when we try to comprehend the subject of God’s wrath. God is indeed a patient God – he endured the sin of the antediluvian age as Moses built the ark that brought salvation for him and his family. God was patient for 120 years – Genesis 6:3

“And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” (Genesis 6:14-22).

The Lord was patient as we see in the time element between Genesis 3:15 and John 19:30 when Jesus “cried it is finished” and then and there died for the sins of His elect people in fulfillment of God’s promise.

Do not be dismayed when justice seems a long time coming or victory seems all on the side of the enemy.

Psalm 37:9-11

“For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

C. The Practice of God:

Psalm 11:4

“The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.”

Psalm 107:8

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

Daniel 2:21

“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”

Smack in the center of God’s plan and purpose for the entire universe is His Son Jesus Christ. Nowhere in Scripture do we see God working independently of His Son. The believers life is in Christ – 1 John 5:11-13

1 John 5:20

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

As we look at the practice of God we see a balance in His love and His justice in His rewards to both the saved and the unsaved.

God in His dealings with the saved has said, “they shall not come into condemnation or judgment. God’s sheep shall ever be spared from the wrath of God that shall be brought upon the unredeemed world.

Romans 5:9

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by