The Wrath of God

God’s love is more amazing because of His wrath.

There has recently been some discussion over a certain denomination’s decision to leave out a favorite hymn from their new hymnal because of a verse that reads in part "Till on that cross as Jesus died/The wrath of God was satisfied."  (See article) The committee that made the decision not to include this popular old hymn gave as its reason that
they did not want to perpetuate the view that Christ’s death on the cross did, as the song states, alleviate God’s wrath against mankind. They did not want it to be all about God’s anger, preferring instead to focus on God’s love.

Focusing on God’s love is fine, but I’m so sorry that they have missed the great opportunity to sing about and think about His wrath against us (which was so great as to be mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible) and how it has been melted away by Jesus’ sacrifice. For me that brings an astonishing discovery about His perfect love – that it is and always will be greater than anything I can do that would displease or anger Him.

Here’s just one verse to think about: John 3:36: 

He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.