Proverbs 10:29: The way of the LORD is a strong hold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.
It struck me when I was reading this verse in my devotions, that, indeed, this verse is so true. As Christians, the Christ who saved us is the same Christ who will punish the wicked and doom them to an eternity in Hell.
But why?
The truth is, God is holy [perfect/separate: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! Isaiah 6:3].
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities;
upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)
It struck me when I was reading this verse in my devotions, that, indeed, this verse is so true. As Christians, the Christ who saved us is the same Christ who will punish the wicked and doom them to an eternity in Hell.
But why?
The truth is, God is holy [perfect/separate: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! Isaiah 6:3].
Omnipotent [all powerful: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... Romans 1:16].
Omniscient [all knowing: Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! Romans 11:33]
Just [judge: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just? Genesis 18:25]
He truly is all those things; He hates sin. He can't be near sin, He is separate from it.
Because we are sinners, He can't be near us. And sin must be punished.
Omniscient [all knowing: Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! Romans 11:33]
Just [judge: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just? Genesis 18:25]
He truly is all those things; He hates sin. He can't be near sin, He is separate from it.
Because we are sinners, He can't be near us. And sin must be punished.
Something has become increasingly clear to me over the passed few weeks. God cannot forgive sin.
Yep, you read right.
God doesn't forgive sin, He punishes it. The only way we are forgiven is because Jesus Christ took our punishment when He went to the cross. That is why the phrase, "Jesus died for my sins," is so amazing.
Just think. If God could just forgive sin, then Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection would be pointless.There is no need for Jesus to die if it isn't required to take the place of the temporal sinners of the world!
upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)
Christians, we are saved by the blood of the Lamb of God. So often we forget and go about our day as if it never happened, that such a sacrifice was never made. Be in awe of the amazing gospel, friend. It is because of "His wounds we are healed."
To the one apart from Christ, this is the gospel, plain and simple. Trust Christ's work on the cross to pay for your sins, or else you'll be paying for them yourself in Hell. (Please see our four part gospel series, Who is God?, The Glory of God not Honored, His Name is Jesus, Because He Lives) Friend, flee from the wrath to come.
<3 Berea
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