Nahum was the subject today in our series on the minor prophets, which tells us of a God who judges. This is hardly a palatable subject in our politically correct, post self-esteem, tolerance-rabid world, but I'm thankful for a pastor who preaches the whole counsel of God. From my notes:
Because God judges, there is hope for justice. Why? If God did not just, He would not be holy. He would not be righteous. This is the very reason that good triumphs over evil.
He will destroy His enemies. Why is that a comfort? Because in a world that is increasing hostile to God and His people, we know He is completely in control. In the end, every knee will bow in heaven and in earth.
If God is a God who judges, repentance is necessary. It's not praying a prayer. It's not a one-time event. It's a continual, daily turning from sin and running to Christ as our sacrifice. We can't rely on the previous generation's repentance, it has to be our own. It's not about being trying to be a decent person. It's about embracing the work of Jesus Christ.
The God who judges is the same one who bore that judgement on our behalf. If we are Christians, it's not because our sins were skipped over. God didn't ignore our sins. We were judged and found guilty. Our sins were punished, but it wasn't on our backs. The wrath and punishment we justly deserved was borne by Jesus Christ.
[This last point in particular was one on which I was unclear for much of my Christian life. The pat answer was "God forgives sin because He loves me." End of story. Nice answer but potentially misleading. Without judgment, specifically the penal substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, there is no forgiveness. Without judgment, God is not God. Without the bad new of God's righteous wrath, there is no good news of the Gospel.]
Because God judges, there is hope for justice. Why? If God did not just, He would not be holy. He would not be righteous. This is the very reason that good triumphs over evil.
He will destroy His enemies. Why is that a comfort? Because in a world that is increasing hostile to God and His people, we know He is completely in control. In the end, every knee will bow in heaven and in earth.
If God is a God who judges, repentance is necessary. It's not praying a prayer. It's not a one-time event. It's a continual, daily turning from sin and running to Christ as our sacrifice. We can't rely on the previous generation's repentance, it has to be our own. It's not about being trying to be a decent person. It's about embracing the work of Jesus Christ.
The God who judges is the same one who bore that judgement on our behalf. If we are Christians, it's not because our sins were skipped over. God didn't ignore our sins. We were judged and found guilty. Our sins were punished, but it wasn't on our backs. The wrath and punishment we justly deserved was borne by Jesus Christ.
[This last point in particular was one on which I was unclear for much of my Christian life. The pat answer was "God forgives sin because He loves me." End of story. Nice answer but potentially misleading. Without judgment, specifically the penal substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, there is no forgiveness. Without judgment, God is not God. Without the bad new of God's righteous wrath, there is no good news of the Gospel.]
Great post! I'm so thankful that God has opened my eyes to this truth, or rather, these truths! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great sermon. Thanks for sharing your notes.
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