Christ Takes the Wrath

The very first time I spoke at youth group, I remember Pastor Ben gave me the topic of “God’s Wrath.” I remember thinking, “That’s so hard! How am I going to speak to a bunch of youth on the subject of God’s wrath.” But as I prepared the message, it became increasingly clear that the sermon wasn’t so much about God’s wrath as it was about God’s righteousness, with His wrath being an exceedingly important aspect of His righteousness.

Read Romans 4:13-5:11

Just a quick synopsis from Romans 4:13-25. Abraham and his descendents (Israel) were not justified (or declared righteous) because of obedience to the law. The law doesn’t bring righteousness rather, it demonstrates with certain clarity that we are sinners. Rather, our righteousness is based on faith as was Abraham’s. Faith in God’s promise to accept the death of Christ as a fully sufficient atoning sacrifice for our sins.

So where does this idea of wrath fit into this? Because of our sinful nature, made clear by the law, we know that we’re objects of wrath (Eph 2:3). God’s wrath exists because it is the perfect reaction to His righteous judgment. God’s wrath is what we deserve, and His perfect justice demands His wrath be poured out against sin. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus bore the wrath for us. He took the punishment, bore the full weight of God’s righteous fury against sin and its complete opposition to His holiness.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:8-9)

Jesus took it for us. If there’s no sacrifice by his death on the cross, once for all for our sin, then we stand with nowhere to hide from God’s wrath. But if there’s no wrath, if we eliminate God’s righteous anger from the conversation (as some would misleadingly have you believe) then we empty the cross of its power. Jesus’ death is meaningless if there’s no wrath for Him to bear. No wrath means no need for a Savior.

But the reality is this: God’s wrath is real. It is the perfect outpouring of His holiness on sin. But His love is also real. And it’s His great love for us that sent His son to die on the cross to bear the wrath and condemnation for us. That’s what we’re looking forward to at Easter, the reminder that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

As we continue through this Lenten devotional series, the spiritual discipline we want to highlight today is Bible Study. Why is it important to study the Bible? Psalm 1 says that the blessed man’s “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does prospers.” The knowledge of God’s Word produces transformation in us and draws us into deeper relationship with Him. Take some time this week to really commit to studying God’s word. Keep in mind that God’s word was made to be communicated to us in community. Meet up with some friends this week and talk about what God has been teaching you through His word.