August 1998

THE GOODNESS AND SEVERITY OF GOD
By Dick Ward

Did you know God is not only "good" but is also SEVERE?

So many preachers teach only the goodness of God without telling their audiences about the severity of Jehovah. "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:" (Romans 11:22). Friends, God will and does punish those who turn their backs on His commands!

GOD'S GOODNESS

God has been so good to mankind. We are created in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Even at the fall of man, God demonstrated His goodness toward sinners by announcing intentions of sending us a Saviour (Genesis 3:15). God did not back down on His promise but sent Jesus, the only begotten Son, to live and die for you and for me - what goodness! Jesus became the "author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Hebrews 5:9). The Bible gives us a clear picture of the commands God allows us to obey in our quest for that eternal home in heaven. Those who love God do not try to do away with obedience but give glory to God by doing what is requested (Matthew 5:16). If YOU love God you will KEEP His commandments (I John 3:2,3).

GOD'S SEVERITY

When men turn their backs on simple instructions from God they must expect to come face to face with God's severity. God dealt with the sinful couple by driving Adam and Eve from the garden (Genesis 3:3,19,22-24). Only eight (8) souls were spared when God sent the flood upon the wicked and sinful world of Noah's day (Genesis 6:5,6,17; I Peter 3:20,21). We know what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah when Abraham could not find ten (10) righteous people in that area (Genesis 18:28-33); 19:24,25). Even the great leader of God's chosen nation was not permitted to lead the people into the promised land - Moses had sinned (Numbers 20:7-12). The supernatural deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1,2) and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) show us once again how God can be and is severe.

LET US LEARN THE LESSON WELL

Neighbors, let us learn the lesson well: Certainly God is good and just and holy and considerate. But, never forget the fact God is also severe. Paul wrote, "...on them that fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF." (Romans 11:22).

[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Dick Ward for the article! This article was published in a newspaper column titled, "Did You Know?" in the Carrier Newspaper in Madison, Florida. He may be reached at: Dick Ward, 18 Eldorado East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, (205) 556-2407.]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com