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A Merciful God Bringing Utter Destruction? By: Gary Colley
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A Merciful God Bringing Utter Destruction? By: Gary Colley
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To many it seems inconsistent to say that God is a God of love and mercy, but also a God of utter destruction. These refuse to admit both ideas taught in the Bible, and "cannot" reconcile the two in reference to God. It is certainly a lop-sided matter to suppose that God can be just, good, and not bring destruction on the ungodly and disobedient. Justice demands that God will save the righteous and destroy the wicked in Hell. God's mercy is firmly affirmed throughout the Bible (Exodus 34:6, Deuteronomy 5:9-10). Psalms 136 is given entirely to the fact that "his mercy endureth for ever." The compassion, kindness, love, and good will toward those who are suffering, whether by physical or spiritual afflictions, have been known by all who have "called on his name" in the proper way (Romans 10:13-17, Acts 22:16). We would affirm with many others that God is merciful, but we must not forget another attribute of God mentioned in the Scriptures, "our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29)!" Again the Bible says, "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses (Hebrews 10:28)." Amos warned even Israel about being on the opposing side of God in battle! He said, "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel (Amos 4:12)." The enemies of God, Satan his people, will know God's wrath! The Old Testament abounds with those who defied God's will, turned from their Creator, and suffered His wrath! He has the sovereign right to call every mortal into judgment, and will do so "according to their works (II Corinthians 5:10-11)." God's mercy is wonderfully shown in the Gospel for our salvation! Peter spoke God's mercy even to the murderers of the Son of God, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)." What exceeding mercy! What wonderful love! What if men reject His offer of love and mercy in the powerful Gospel (Romans 1:16)? For sure, god promises to those who reject His longsuffering and offered mercy, that He will send His Son in vengeance (II Peter 3:9, II Thessalonians 1:7-9)! All can enjoy the mercy of God by obeying His Son (Hebrews 5:8-9) or we can reject His Son and receive His wrath against sin (John 12:48, Romans 6:23).