2 Corinthians 5:11 – Because we know the terror of the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is well known to God; and I hope it is well known to your conscience.
There is a judgment time for every person. The message of Jesus Christ is: repent or perish (Matthew 3:2; Mark 16:16; Acts 17:30). The loving and merciful Lamb of God went everywhere telling men to repent because the Kingdom is at hand. There are many who are convinced of the love of God, but very few who recognize the judgments of God. But everyone who knows about God’s wrath against all unrighteousness – and all who are certain of the terror of the Lord – these are deeply moved to command all men everywhere to repent (Romans 1:18, 2:8; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6). The simple and plain truth that must be told is the wrath of God abides on those who refuse the new life God has offered (John 3:36).
Each person needs to decide whether or not they want to live in a world that has no sin. The Kingdom of God has only purity and holiness in it. The Holy Spirit has come to convince every person of sin who does not believe; and everyone who does believe, of the righteousness God demands (John 16:7-10). If there is going to be another spiritual awakening in the Western World, then there is going to have to be preaching that is in cooperation with Holy Ghost conviction.
A sugary theology that contrives an indulgent and permissive God has no basis in Scripture. The torturous death of Jesus provided a way for us to escape sin, and to escape the wrath of God against all iniquity. If we neglect so great a salvation, we shall surely perish! (Hebrews 2:3)Those who refuse to obey God after having known Him are described by Paul as those who have no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:18). It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God (Hebrews 10:31). God has made a way for us to escape the wrath that is to come, and that way is the life of Jesus – made available to anyone who is willing.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
