In our last four posts we looked at the mercy of God, and recognized we are all recipients of it. Today we will look at another aspect of God’s nature that has been ignored by many individuals and nations.
When ministers only talk about the goodness and mercy of God, they can lead those who hear them to have a wrong concept of His ways and character. If we only talk about grace, but never sound the alarm to warn those bent on living in sin the impending consequences that will come upon them, we are watering down the gospel message and are endanger of His correction.
The first thing Jesus preached was “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:5). The apostles (Acts 2:38) echoed this same message. Repentance is a turning away from sin, a change of mind to live righteously, and a turning to God. God would not be a just God if He did not require us to repent but allowed us to live any type of lifestyle with no accountability or judgment.
30) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31) because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." Acts17:30-31
The Bible clearly states that in the last days many will grow worse and be haters of God and despisers of good. We are in those last days now.
1) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Timothy 3:1-5
28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; Rom 29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30) backbiters, haters of God… 32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32
These along with similar passages should cause any honest person suffice evidence as to why God allows or brings judgement upon a land.
God Warned Adam
When Adam sinned, the land was brought under a curse (Genesis 3:17-19). When Cain killed Abel, God said Abel’s blood was crying from the ground (Genesis 4:1-12). Since then there has been unimaginable bloodshed and wickedness poured out upon the earth, causing it to groan under its weight as if in child birth.
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22
Newton's Third Law of Motion states that "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." There is also the law of sowing and reaping which is still in effect until the end of time (Genesis 8:22).
All affliction that comes upon an individual is NOT the result of their wrong doing. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life but suffered much evil at the hands of sinners. He told His disciples they too would be hated, persecuted, and killed for His Name’s sake.
This suffering would not be the result of them sinning, but the rebellious and ungodly reaction of wicked men and women who do not want God’s righteousness to reign in the earth.
Just as the earth fell under the curse when Adam sinned, it is still reeling under the burden of centuries of iniquity and rebellion.
The earth was made to exist under the righteousness of God. Sin marred the original intent of the Creator, and as a result, we have sickness, natural disasters, and death taking place in an increased manner all over the world.
Paul described it well, when he said, “the whole creation groans and labors….” (Romans 8:22)
Solomon wisely stated,
Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34
When nations sin and turn away from God, they bring judgment upon themselves. It is part of the sowing and reaping cycle. The only thing that will interrupt this cycle and full consequences is repentance and turning to God for His mercy and grace.
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
When nations make and support laws that are against the righteous ways of God, especially nations that have received the light of His Word, they will bring swift judgment upon themselves because God is not mocked whatever a man (or woman) sows, they shall also reap (Galatians 6:7).
The land will mourn and become desolate because of the wickedness of the people. It is a natural response of creation.
Yet the land shall be desolate because of those who dwell in it, and for the fruit of their deeds. Micah 7:13
Those who believe God does not allow judgment on the earth because of the sacrifice of Christ are in error because His sacrifice was to take away sin, not agree with it or tolerate it. God is merciful and just. His justice demands consequences upon nations for their rebellion and sin.
The same Lord who died for our sins will render judgment. The Father has put all things under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25-27, Ephesians 1:22) and will soon pour out His full wrath upon an unrighteous world that has rejected His mercy and grace through the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ (See Revelation 15:1;16:1).
Today we are witnessing an increase of darkness and iniquity throughout the world. Every type of sin and perversion is being celebrated and promoted globally.
As a result, the earth is reeling and swaying under the curse of mankind’s disobedience. One day it will teeter as never before from the dregs of unrighteousness.
19) The earth is violently broken, The earth is split open, The earth is shaken exceedingly. 20) The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again. Isaiah 24:19-20
Scientists and environmentalists insist the earth is experiencing
global warming, but it is actually groaning because of sin. There has been increased natural disasters around the world because the earth
is crying out for the return and reign of Christ (Romans 8:19-21; Revelation 20:4-6) who will establish order, justice, righteousness,
and peace.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
Until next time, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you and keep you.
James Brown
CST 11/01/2024