GOD'S WRATH, GOD'S JUDGEMENT, GOD'S PUNISHMENT "IS" GOD'S JUSTICE!

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE:

GOD’S WRATH, JUDGEMENT, AND PUNISHMENT

                            

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…everything he does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).  “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

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“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God’s WRATH, God’s PUNISHMENT, and God’s JUDGEMENT is ALL equal to God’s JUSTICE, because they are ALL God, the Holy Spirit’s, RESPONSE to WRONG, SIN, and INJUSTICE. “…everything he does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).  “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Another WORD for WRATH is also VENGEANCE, which is God’s JUSTICE. God’s JUSTICE RESPONDS to two things MAKING WRONG things RIGHT and EXACTING WRONGS and INJUSTICES.

God’s WRATH is NOT ANGER. Anger is expressed as fury, indignation, resentment, rage, or exasperation. The OPPOSITE of WRATH is compassion, mercy, reconciliation, joy, kindness, which describe many characteristics of God’s DIVINE, HOLY nature. “… he does ...right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).   “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God’s WRATH is God’s JUSTICE. God’s JUSTICE is not ANGER, but the FAIR and JUST REPAYMENT or HARVEST for willful and voluntary SIN SOWN by the disobedient and unrepentant.indw

 God’s WRATH or JUSTICE will supernaturally MAKE things RIGHT like during the flood (Genesis 6-9), or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), or the deliverance of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians (Ex. 1-17). God, the Holy Spirit’s allowances, in these stories, reveal how HIS system of JUSTICE towards SIN repays people the retribution they deserve, which can also include eternal damnation.

God’s WRATH or JUSTICE affirms HIS righteous, sovereign retribution for ALL disobedience, upon unrepentant sinners, and for all wrongdoings.

God’s WRATH or JUSTICE is a SERVANT for his vengeance against ALL wrongdoings.“...Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for the wrath of the Lord that burns against us is great, because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book, to act in accordance with everything that is written regarding us...” (2 Kings 22:13 NASB).

“...And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet He sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord; and they testified against them, but they would not listen...” (2 Chronicles 24:18-19 NASB).

“...Yet the Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against His people, until there was no remedy...” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16 NASB).

“...Therefore the Lord heard and was full of wrath; And a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also mounted against Israel, Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation...” (Psalm 78:21-22 NASB).

 “...Indeed this city has been to Me a provocation (incitement) of My anger and My wrath since the day that they built it, even to this day, so that it should be removed from My sight, because of all the evil of the sons of Israel and the sons of Judah which they have done to provoke (incite) Me to anger—they, their kings, their leaders, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They have turned their back to Me and not their face; though I taught them, teaching again and again, they would not listen to accept discipline...” (Jeremiah 32:31-33 NASB).

“... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:18 NASB).

“...But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God...” (Romans 2:5 NASB).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…The Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

 “…They defiled themselves [AGAIN]...by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. That is why the Lord’s anger (wrath, judgement, justice) burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. He handed them over to pagan nations, and they were ruled by those who hated them. Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

“…[In HIS] ... love and in His mercy He redeemed them (again)…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“...they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

.“..., for the wrath of the Lord that burns against us is great, because our fathers did not listen to the words of this book...” (2 Kings 22:13 NASB).

“...And they abandoned the house of the Lord ...so wrath came ...[them]...for this guilt of theirs...” (2 Chronicles 24:18-19 NASB).

“...God[the Holy Spirit]....sent word to them again and again ... He had compassion on His people ... but they continually mocked the messengers of God ...until the wrath of the Lord rose against His people, until there was no remedy...” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16 NASB).

“...The Lord ...was full of wrath ...Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation...” (Psalm 78:21-22 NASB).

 “...Indeed this city has been to Me a provocation (incitement) of My anger and My wrath since the day that they built it ... because of all the evil...” (Jeremiah 32:31-33 NASB).

“... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:18 NASB).

“...But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath...” (Romans 2:5 NASB).

When God’s ANGER, WRATH, JUDGEMENT or JUSTICE appears it is in RESPONSE to the continuous practice of SIN, the unrepentant, the UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, and ALL WRONGDOINGS! God, the Holy Spirit’s allows HIS system of JUSTICE to repay people the retribution they deserve, which can also include eternal damnation.

God “IS” a LOVING God and he PREFERS to make mankind HOLY and RIGHTEOUS by putting and keeping them in a RIGHT “covenant unity” relationship with him, but they willingly CHOOSE not to listen or follow his commandments. “ …[God’s people said:]... we will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“…[God said:].... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. ….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“…They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT).  “...[THEY]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

The bible says: “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Not one of all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV).

However, “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

“… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).  God STAYED faithful. “…the righteous CRY and Lord the heareth and delivereth them out of ALL their troubles…” (Psalms 34:17 KJV). “…Again and again [God, the Holy Spirit] rescued them…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

“...He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. …” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “… he remains ...(STAYS) ... faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“

Thus, because of God’s faithfulness, he repeatedly rescued them. “… Their enemies (the evil one and his workers) [would crush] them and [bring] them under their cruel power. Again and again [God] rescued them, but they [continually]... chose to rebel against him... [until]... they were finally destroyed by their [own] sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

God’s WRATH, ANGER, JUDGEMENT, or JUSTICE is “NOT” rash, but it is LONG-SUFFERING, PATIENCE, and COMPASSIONATELY SLOW in responding. “...Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth...” (Exodus 34:6 NASB).

“...But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
Slow to anger and abundant in mercy and truth...” (Psalm 86:15 NASB).

“...The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy...” (Psalm 103:8 NASB). “...They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy; And You did not abandon them...” (Nehemiah 9:17 NASB).

“...Then he prayed to the Lord and said, “Please Lord, was this not ^]what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore in anticipation of this I fled to Tarshish, since I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in mercy, and One who relents of disaster...” (Jonah 4:2 NASB).

God is COMPASSIONATE, MERCIFUL, and SLOW to ANGER he doesn’t want ANYONE to perish. “….[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... CAME (to earth or to mankind) [because HE is], NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, would RATHER be MERCIFUL. HE delights in MERCY.“…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).  “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The Lord God, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is a MERCIFUL God, which means HE withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. There are several verses in the bible that express and demonstrate God’s MERCY toward mankind.

Those who trust in and depend upon God’s MERCY will not and do not RECEIVE God’s WRATH, PUNISHMENT, JUDGEMENT, or JUSTICE they deserve, are worthy of and have earned.

King DAVID asked God for MERCY.  “...Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit...Deliver me from bloodguiltiness...” (Psalms 51 KJV).

King David KNEW God, the Holy Spirit, was a MERCIFUL and JUST God.  “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God’s unconditional love not only extends GRACE, but MERCY to his OFFENDERS, but he also forgives, heals, and cleanses them from ALL unrighteousness. “...because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

Life can lead mankind to become wretched, guilty, and depraved sinners SEPARATED from God, the Holy Spirit, with NO possible way BACK to HIM. PRAISE be to God, the Holy Spirit, and his MERCY that COMES to help. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).

God’s GRACE gives mankind what they DON’T deserve and God’s MERCY keeps them from RECEIVING what they DO deserve.

SALVATION is an expression of unconditional LOVE as well as both God’s GRACE and HIS MERCY. . “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up (GRACE) for us all….?”(Romans 8:32 KJV).  “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (MERCY)...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...

Herein is [unconditional, MERCIFUL] ...  love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit’s MERCY withholds FAIR and EQUITABLE punishment from mankind. “…[because God’s] ...Mercy triumphs over judgement (wrath, punishment, justice, etc.,)...” (James 2:13 NASB).

God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for [lost and spiritually dead souls]….” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God so loved [lost and spiritually dead souls]... that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).

 “...For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring [his people BACK]... to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).“...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR the LOST and spiritually DEAD souls] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

God “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for [lost and spiritually dead souls]….” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ALL of God’s people KNOW that coming to earth, to do God’s will, means they will encounter trials, troubles, and tribulations in this FALLEN world. Jesus KNEW it too, but God didn’t not SPARE, STOP, or SAVE him from coming. “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV).

“..Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

“…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV).

“..they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

“…When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

 “...He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away...Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all...” (Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT).

 “…Christ…suffered for [mankind].. in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).“…Christ died for [thier] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

“…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

God as a God of JUSTICE may be a hard concept to comprehend yet he didn’t SPARE Jesus in order to SAVE the lost and spiritually dead souls.

Jesus could have had the same complaint as Habakkuk. “...How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted....” (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NIV).

Habakkuk learned that God had allowed the Babylonians to raise up.. “...I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG). Christ was LITERALLY beaten and crucified.

.“... Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands…. they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

God promised JUSTICE to Habakkuk and promised that EVERY knee would bow at Jesus’ name.“...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it...” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV).  “... The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him...” (Habakkuk 2:4-20 NIV).

“…at … the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). 

The RIGHTEOUS, in the days of trouble, are encouraged to CONTINUE to live by faith.  “… [Jesus]... ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).  “..the just shall live by his faith...” (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV). “...it is written, The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “...for, The just shall live by faith...” (Galatians 3:11 KJV).  ^“...Now the just shall live by faith...” (Hebrew 10:38 KJV).

The righteous can totally ENTRUST themselves to God, the Holy Spirit, and his WORD no matter what they SEE. “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

The righteous are empowered and strengthened by the indwelling Holy Spirit to SEE, through FAITH, beyond the present circumstance with confidence in the God of JUSTICE. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or

“...my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV).“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV). 

“...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…[God is]…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “….All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

“…ye (THE ENEMY) thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “...overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

God SENT Jesus into the FALLEN world to MAKE THINGS RIGHT AGAIN. Jesus is God’s benevolent GIFT of GRACE to the fallen world. God, the Holy Spirit, so LOVED mankind, it MOVED him to surrender Jesus.

Jesus RECONCILED people BACK to God. Jesus RESTORED their souls back to God’s Holy Spirit. Jesus made mankind WHOLE again, body, soul, and Spirit. “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[his people back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[Mankind was able to be]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “... and [they become] ...living soul[s again] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT (Jesus, the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“ …We have this treasure (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  “…[People will]… know (WITNESS) that everything [YOU have]… (the excellent indwelling Holy Spirit) IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…You will receive the gift of the (excellent indwelling) Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus suffered and died a physical death to make mankind RIGHT with HIM again. This gesture of LOVE is the highest PROOF of HIM as a God of JUSTICE and not REVENGE.

God, the Holy Spirit’s MERCY and GRACE reveals HIM as a willing Father who FREELY does GOOD and is JUST to those he LOVES, without partiality. “…In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT).“… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). 

Jesus willingly entered into a FALLEN world, came face to face with the most depraved expressions of wickedness and evil, and surrendered to the cruelest of deaths in order to provide mankind with the opportunity to be MADE RIGHT with God, the Holy Spirit, AGAIN. “...Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “.... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).“…[Jesus DIED “ONCE” for EVERYONE from EVERY nation]...the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[mankind back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

“... Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and ...he rose again the third day ...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “..Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

“ ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus demonstrated the HIGHEST expression of LOVE. He also REVEALED to ALL of MANKIND he is a GOD of JUSTICE, not REVENGE. God, the Holy Spirit prefers to MAKE ALL THINGS RIGHT or RIGHTEOUS AGAIN; not punish, judge, show wrath, or send into an eternal condemnation!

Jesus was the PROOF of God’s presence, his goodnesses, his working power, and CAME to earth to BEGIN making THINGS RIGHT or RIGHTEOUS AGAIN! “…[Jesus] went about doing good (righting the wrongs), and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).“…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus came] to preach (God’s WORDS) the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him] to heal (God’s working POWER) the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed through] … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [MAKING THAT RIGHT (JUST)]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWEL[T] within JESUS]… he doeth the works [OF JUSTICE]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The God of JUSTICE makes things RIGHT without CHARGE to ANYONE. It is a FREE, undeserved GIFT! “… [God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]… gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver [mankind]... from this present evil world, according to the will of God [who is SPIRIT]... and our Father…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).“…BY GRACE [God’s people]... have been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...Jesus Christ...God’s free GIFT [that]...leads to our being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). IT IS “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

IN ADDITION, God FREELY GIVES: “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...  his GIFT of forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these [FREE]... GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [mankind] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God will supply all [YOUR need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [YOU NEED]…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd I shall “not” want ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

God is a God of JUSTICE and NOT REVENGE. God’s MAKES people RIGHT with HIM by reconciling them, restoring their souls, and making the WHOLE again. However, they must CHOOSE to RECEIVE his provisional JUSTICE through Jesus. The human will can “…choose this day this day whom [it]...will serve…” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “….if any man (woman) hear my voice, and open the door…” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “…. if thou shalt confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus...” (Romans 10:9-10 KJV). “….repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions…” (Ezekiel 18:30 KJV). “…in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

 “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE “SONS”  (daughters) OF GOD …” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God sent forth his Son…to redeem [mankind]….that [they].. might receive the adoption of sons…” (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV). “…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).

The BRIGHT SIDE of God’s JUSTICE is his SALVATION that SAVES one’s SOUL from eternal condemnation, through Jesus’ atonement, and MAKES them RIGHT with God again.

The WRATH SIDE of God’s JUSTICE is rejection of his SALVATION that keeps the SOUL lost and headed for eternal condemnation and separation from God forever.

“...Therefore whoever resists authority (God’s Word, SALVATION) has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers (God’s WORD) are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority (God’s JUSTICE)? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it (JUSTICE) is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it (JUSTICE) is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil...” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB).

In the Old Testament, every first born died, except the righteous who were COVERED by the BLOOD. (READ Exodus 11:1-12:36). “…This is what the Lord says: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. …” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

God’s people, that painted their door posts with the sacrificial blood did not lose their firstborn to death. “… But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites…” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

Another BRIGHT SIDE of God’s JUSTICE is his indwelling Spirit that SEALS the redeemed soul, through Jesus, until the day of redemption.

The WRATH SIDE of God’s JUSTICE is the soul without the SPIRIT is merely a sinful nature and the wages for having a sinful nature is death and eternal damnation.

Whether you are a naysayer, doubter, foundationless opinionate, critic, atheist, agnostic, or any other anti-Christian person, you won’t escape if you IGNORE God’s GREAT SALVATION. “…How shall we escape, if we neglect SO GREAT SALVATION; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV).

To follow Jesus Christ is not about following another religion among other religions; it is a relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus. “...But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “… I (Jesus) and my Father (the HOLY SPIRIT) are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). “…that all of them (who are reconcile, restored, and made whole again) may be ONE, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be IN US…” (John 17:21 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is not a deity among other deities; GOD, the Holy Spirit, is the One and Only. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “...This is eternal life that they might know thee, the only True God and Jesus Christ (his Word), whom God has sent…” (John 17:3 KJV). “… I am God, and there is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

The GREAT Salvation offered to mankind by God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is not one among other salvations; it is the Only Salvation.  “…SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV). “…And there is SALVATION in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NASB). “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT).

Jesus is God’s TRUTH and he is the WAY into eternal LIFE. “…the WORD (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14). “… His (Jesus’) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). ).“... [the word, Jesus]... is a light to reveal God to the nations [and individuals]...” (Luke 2:32 NLT).  “…thy WORD is truth” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).  “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).  “…ye shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free…” (John 8:32 KJV).

Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit’s, TRUTH is not based on scientific realities made up of theories limited to human facts, but it is based on spiritual realities made up of sovereign truths understood by God-given faith and SPIRIT. .“…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).  “… BY FAITH we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). However, “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

Spiritual realities are “clearly seen.” Spiritual realities don’t rely on MERE human theories, but GOD’s sovereign truths. God, the Holy Spirit’s sovereign truths, through Jesus, are SPIRITUAL FACTS, which rely on FAITH. “…WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV).

Therefore, spiritual LIFE in Christ, God’s WORD,  is NOT a subjective reality after all, but in fact an objective reality much GREATER than science. Subjective realities are based on personal opinions, worldviews, and judgements whereas objective reality is based on facts, measures, and observation.

Spiritual facts: “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…”

Spiritual measures: “….Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. …God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light….God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” ^…God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” …” (Genesis 1 KJV).

Spiritual Observation: “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). Do you “SEE” the things God made way back in Genesis, chapter 1, today?

God, the Holy Spirit’s invitation for reconciliation, restoration, and wholeness is OPEN to everyone from EVERY nation. “….the gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). HOWEVER,. “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT). “…the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.…” (John 6:37 NASB). “...Jesus saith…I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).

People can claim and proclaim – it is their choice and their prerogative – that there are many ways to God, but FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST believe, by faith, that there is ONLY ONE WAY to God, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the holy of holies. “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). Jesus, God’s word SAID: “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT).

Therefore, “…Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). “...Jesus saith…I am THE WAY …and THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV).

Science uses God’s creation to gather their human facts, but will miss the spiritual realities, within those facts, because they are spiritually discerned. “…What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, EXPLAINING SPIRITUAL REALITIES with Spirit-taught words. The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

Some well-known scientists, who gathered human facts through science, came to believe in God: Sir Isaac Newton, Blaise Pascal, Francis Bacon, Louis Pasteur, and Rene Descartes. One scientist thought scientists to be more in tune with God, the Holy Spirit’s realities than those who were not scientists.  “…You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life…. ”(Mark 5:39-40 KJV).

Further, Jesus, God’s WORD is not merely a book of pages or a particular translation or version, or language, but it is a spiritual message of revelation knowledge that sustains and supersedes over human flaws, over time, or over finite interpretations. “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

Many enemies, doubters, critics, and haters of the Gospel message have long since died, but the Gospel message shall NEVER die and is STILL SAVING lives. “…whosoever believeth in him (Jesus), should not perish, but have everlasting life...” (John 3:16 KJV).  “…RECEIVE (obtain, accept, etc.) ... the engrafted WORD (Jesus), which is able to SAVE your souls…” (James 1:21 KJV).  “…everyone who asks receives …” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “... AS MANY as received [Jesus], to them GAVE HE (God, the Holy Spirit) ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (DAUGHTERS) OF GOD…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…it is appointed unto men once to DIE…” (Hebrews 9:27 KJV). “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but MY WORDS SHALL NOT pass away (DIE)…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

The GREAT SALVATION offered by God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is and will be OFFERED to ALL of mankind. People have been believing and receiving Jesus, into their hearts, since his death upon the cross, which means they are reconciled, restored, and made WHOLE. “...Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

If you have been SAVED – then is it God, the Holy Spirit, through the gospel message that drew you. “..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up (preached, taught, heard, etc.,) from the earth, WILL DRAW all men (women) unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…for BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

When YOU are truly SAVED, YOU become a WITNESS to the power of God’s enduring Gospel Message!! “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be SAVED…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV). 

The Holy Scriptures or the physical bible itself has been attacked, burned, buried, criticized, disrespected, belittled, hidden, destroyed, and crucified more than any other book in history, yet it is still the most published book to this day. “…my words (Jesus, the gospel message) SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).  

The inspired, gospel message (Jesus) has proven to be a sustainable, undying path to the GREAT SALVATION. “...Jesus saith…I am THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “... Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever...” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). 

From the first century until the present, 21^st century the longsuffering kindness of God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus extends his invitation to repentance to ALL. God “….is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “… the longsuffering of our Lord IS SALVATION…”(2 Peter 3:15 KJV). 

EVERYONE has been GIVEN human will. It is their INDIVIDUAL choice to accept or neglect the GREAT SALVATION, but if it is neglected, there WON’T an escape from the consequences. “…How shall we escape, if we neglect SO GREAT SALVATION; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the holy ghost according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV).

God’s WRATH, God’s PUNISHMENT, and God’s JUDGEMENT is ALL God’s JUSTICE, which will ultimately RESPOND to the unrepentant as well as their WRONGS, EVILS, SINS, and INJUSTICES. “…everything he does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV).  “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:18 NASB).

“...because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God...” (Romans 2:5 NASB).