Punishment of the Wicked

Let’s read Proverbs 16:4-6: 

The Lord has made all for Himself,
Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.  Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.  In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. 

The word of God is very clear that the wicked will suffer punishment.  God is holy and righteous and will not allow sin to go unchecked.  This is a big problem for many in our world today.  Verse 4 raises that issue.  Yes, God clearly knows that some of His creation will spend eternity being punished for sin.  Yet, that is not God’s perfect plan.  God’s perfect plan is found in verse 6.  When sinners cry out for mercy and truth, atonement or forgiveness of their sin is offered.

Why don’t people see this?  I think that pride, as mentioned in verse 5, is a big issue.  What God desires is that we turn to Him and turn away from ourselves to deal with the sin problem.  We can’t handle the problem on our own.  The question most often asked is “why would God allow anyone to go to hell?”  I think a better question is “why would God allow anyone to go to heaven?”  It is only by His grace and mercy that all of us sinners have an opportunity to escape the punishment for our sin.  The bible is clear about this.  We do well not to attempt to change it or ignore it.  Rather, we should accept it and depart from evil by running to Him.

In wisdom,
Eric

 

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