Characteristics of Godly Wrath (By: Bob Deffinbaugh)
(1) Godly
wrath is vastly different from the wrath of man (James 1:20).
(2) The
wrath of God is always in accordance with the standards set down in Scripture
for man’s conduct and the warnings God has given for disobedience (Deuteronomy
29:26-28; 30:15-20; 2 Samuel 12:9-10; 2 Kings 22:10-13; 24:2; 2 Chronicles
19:8-10; 34:18-28; 36:15-16; Jeremiah 22:11-12; 44:2-6).
(3) The
wrath of God is in accordance with the deeds of men. God’s wrath is always in
direct proportion to man’s sin (Psalm 28:4; Isaiah 59:18; Jeremiah 17:10;
21:14; 25:14; Ezekiel 20:44; 24:14; 36:19).
(4) God’s
wrath is slow and controlled, not sudden and explosive (Exodus 34:6; Numbers
14:18).
(5) God’s
wrath comes after warning of judgment (see, for example, the warnings given to
men in the days of Noah (Genesis 6-9), of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and
throughout the Old Testament by the prophets).
(6) God’s
wrath is always provoked by man’s sin (Deuteronomy 4:25; 9:18; Jeremiah 25:6-7;
32:32).
(7) God
wrath is not exercised in sin but in righteousness (Romans 2:5; James 1:19-20).
