In a conversation the other night, someone shared how, being raised a Catholic, their impression of God was that He was really angry and was getting madder by the minute. As a young person, their response to this was to just think, “Well, if He’s already that mad, I might as well do whatever I want. I might as well sin more, because it’s already hopeless. I can never please Him.”
Since I wasn’t raised that way, I was somewhat shocked, though I’ve heard this before. This person was later so relieved and delighted to find that God actually loved her, was willing to forgive her, had done something amazing to make that possible, sending His Son to die on the cross for her sins. When she heard this good news, she responded joyfully, and her life has never been the same.
Having experienced something like this, the natural reaction is to want to go and tell everyone God isn’t angry; He’s full of love and compassion! He is on your side! So most churches only preach that side of the message. Many of our songs only emphasize these kinds of positive, warm and fuzzy thoughts. We sing one about how God is “a good, good Father,” and we are loved by Him. Another line in that song says something about God telling us He’s pleased with us and we’re never alone. These things are all well and good, very biblical and true.
But are they meant to be taken as blanket statements for all people, no matter what state they’re in? Is God really pleased with everyone? Is He really on everyone’s side?
Have you ever noticed what Luke 2:14 says in the NIV? “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Did you take note of that last phrase? “on whom His favor rests.” God is on our side, when we’re on His! (2 Chron. 15:2)
Then there’s Hebrews 4:12, 13…
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. NIV
The Word of God is living and active (the Word here isn’t the Bible, per se; It’s actually Jesus Himself). The Word applies to all people, but Jesus deals with people individually. If we are submitted to Him and obedient to Him, He is pleased with us and favorable toward us. (Isaiah 1:18-20) If we are stubborn and rebellious and we refuse to submit and align ourselves with God, He resists us. (read James 4:6-10) He relates to us as we relate to Him.
Yes, He loves everyone and doesn’t want anyone to perish. Yes, He wants us all to be saved. (Jn. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9) But He is not pleased with those who refuse to seek Him, submit to Him, and obey Him. If they don’t repent, they’ll eventually be destroyed. (Lu. 13:1-5)
The point? We need to understand that the Word of God, Jesus, sees us as we are and is specific to our condition. We are called to a relationship with God, and relationships have to do with relating! How am I relating to God’s Word? How does the Word relate to me?
If I’m one of His, He is for me. He forgives me. He is pleased with me. He is working on my behalf. I’ve been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into His Kingdom. (Col. 1:13)
If I’m not yet one of His, His wrath is revealed from heaven against me. (Ro. 1:18) He is displeased with my life. He is angry with the wicked every day. (Ps. 7:11) If I have not yet submitted to Christ, I’m not with Him, and He is not with me. I am His enemy, and I am in great danger. (Heb. 10:31; Ja. 4:4)
The gospel message teaches us that we must repent, deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow Christ. (Lu. 9:23-26) When we do that, our relationship with God and our status with Him changes completely. Before we do that, things are not so warm and fuzzy!
For those like my friend, who think God is so angry with them there’s no hope, the message they need to hear is how they can get out from under that condemnation and get forgiven and brought into the love of God. That good news will warm their hearts and give them hope.
But for those who could care less about God, who ignore Him, don’t listen to Him, resist His will in their lives, the message is different. They must know the danger they’re in. They must know why Christians say they’re “saved.” Saved from what?! The wrath and condemnation of God, the coming judgment, the power of sin and death, the authority of Satan. They must realize how desperately they need that salvation.
If all we tell people is one facet of the message, we’re not giving them the whole truth. Instead of showing them their need for salvation and the danger they’re in, we’re pacifying them in their sin by telling them everything’s wonderful, God loves them, they’re pleasing to Him, etc. That’s not rightly applying, rightly dividing the Word of God. That’s not how God really sees them.
You’re not doing a man with cancer any favors by telling him everything’s fine, and all he need do is take an aspirin and call the doctor in the morning! No decent doctor prescribes the same thing to every patient, without first figuring out what their problem is!
The Word of God is sharp, it’s active. It applies to everyone personally, specifically, according to where they are at with God. We dare not give blanket generalizations to people, as if all of them were in the same condition!
To the convicted, the guilty, the seekers, the hurt and humble, yes, let’s tell them of God’s love and grace, His mercy, His forgiveness. Let’s lead them out of their brokenness to healing and to conversion.
But to the un-convicted, let’s not make the mistake of telling them how wonderful they are and how pleased with them God is! Let’s bring the Word of truth to them that will show them their true status before God, so that they might be brought to a place of conviction, where they see their need, and repent!
There is a word from God for every person, right where they/we’re at. May the Lord help us to hear that word, and share that “word in season,” that “right word” with all who will hear it!