Are we sensitive as to how God feels about the way we live our lives, and about the world we live in today? As the Lord continues to speak to me and lead me forward by His Word, I just can’t help but feel sad for Him, and for us, His creations. Despite all that which He did for us on the wondrous Cross through our gracious Lord and Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ; many of us are still living our lives in darkness and unbelief. Despite pouring out His love and opening the gates of heaven to us through Jesus Christ, there are many, even among the family of God, who are still lured by temptation and worldly unrighteousness; and are living in the darkness, the deception and under manipulation of the enemy.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:18-22:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools.”

Paul makes it clear that all mankind needs the salvation of God and the gospel, because none, not one single one of us, can obtain His favour, or escape His wrath, by one’s own works and efforts. The invisible power of our Creator and the Godhead are so clearly shown in the works which He has made, such that even idolaters and the wickednesses of the people, are left without excuses. Mankind wandered from God, and just about all traces of true worship and religion were about to be lost, had not the revelation of the gospel, prevented it. This clearly shows that men have dishonoured God by our absurd idolatries and superstitions; and have degraded ourselves by the vilest affections and most abominable deeds. Although people know God exists, their wickedness blinds them to the truth. Thus, even when they may believe there is a God; they refuse to commit themselves to Him.

Paul pointed out in Romans 5:21 that: “Sin once used death to rule us. But God gave us more of his grace so that grace could rule by making us right with him. And this brings us eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Further, the Apostle John says in John 3:36 that: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” God’s angry judgements, refers to His final rejection of those who reject Him. Believers only, receive everlasting life by faith through Jesus Christ. Non-believers, those who do not believe in the Son of God, will not, indeed cannot, receive salvation. Non-believers cannot receive everlasting life, but are destined instead, that the wrath of God shall rest upon them, forever.

Romans 3:25 also says:

“God gave Jesus as a way to forgive people’s sins through their faith in him. God can forgive them because the blood sacrifice of Jesus pays for their sins. God gave Jesus to show that he always does what is right and fair. He was right in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. And in our own time he still does what is right. God worked all this out in a way that allows him to judge people fairly and still make right any person who has faith in Jesus.”

May we stand on the promise of God given to believers in Romans 5:9 which says: “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” As we obey the Word of God and seek to unite with all who trust in Christ as their Lord and Saviour, let us also remember, to pray for those who deny the Godhead of Christ, or His atonement, and the new-creating works of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle John warned in 1 John 2:16 saying “for all that is in the world–the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions–is not from the Father but is from the world.” The Apostle Paul also reaffirms this warning in Romans 12:2 saying “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our refusal to conform to the values of this world, however, must go even deeper than daily behaviour, traditions and customs; it must be firmly planted in our hearts and minds.

As God’s beloved children, we are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). Paul warns us in Ephesians 5:5-7

“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partakers with them.”

Looking around the world in which we live, it is not hard to recognise the escalation of evil and oppression in our midst. However, we can also rejoice that the hands of God have never left us! Those who are in-Christ, following and discerning the Word of God, will also recognise that the wrath of God has already started. As if writing for our present times, Paul added in Romans 12:19 and warning us “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

May we be comforted by God’s Word in Psalm 145:19 as His own Word confirms that the Lord watches over those who fear Him: “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.”

Those who love Jesus are loved by the Father. Let us therefore also be encouraged by Jesus’ promise in John 14:21 that: “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Amen and Amen!