Colossians 3:6 (NIV): “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
Wrath. Even the word sounds serious. A biblical definition is “retributory punishment for an offense or a crime.” That definition also sounds serious. I probably need to figure out what offenses would cause the “wrath of God.”
The verse prior to the above verse helps me to understand what the “these” are that lead to the wrath of God. It states that it is our “earthly nature” and then lists a number of things. I’m concerned. I know that I have an earthly nature. Does that mean that I should expect the wrath of God? It is clear that if I cannot somehow, some way, get rid of my earthly nature, then I indeed will experience God’s wrath.
The good news is found in the verses after the above verse. I find out that I am part of “God’s chosen people” because I have “taken off my old self, with its practices, and have put on my new self, which is the image of God. I am now able to forgive as the Lord forgave me. I have received Christ Jesus as Lord. (Colossians 2:6).
Today, less than 40 percent of Americans believe that God’s wrath could send them to hell. Yet, the Bible is clear. That tells me that many, many people don’t know or believe that the Bible is true and reliable. That is a big problem. How can we know the truth when scripture has been subjugated to our own feelings and beliefs?
Prayer: Lord God, based on your word, your wrath is real and it is coming. May I find in that knowledge a motivation to share the good news of Jesus’ love and forgiveness with others. May Your Holy Spirit bring others into a saving relationship with You.
