In Part 1 we learned that we, as believers, have a very great and amazing love bestowed upon us. But what of the unbeliever? Are they loved? Let’s look at the concept of Common Grace to get the answer and then conclude with how God’s love and justice work together.

Common Grace

Matthew tells us that God has provided all of humanity with the same benefits. Yet the Psalmist states that God hates those who do iniquity and violence (Psalm 5:4-6; 11:5). It’s not just the actions God hates, but the individuals themselves. Piecing this together, The Bible teaches that even though God provides for all, He hates those who are not His. No one steeped in their sin is going to thank and acknowledge God for their wealth, good health, family, or any other benefits in their life.

But God is patient and His continued grace and mercy provides the unbeliever every opportunity to repent and be saved.  Even Jesus had a love for the rich ruler despite the young man’s selfish motives (Mark 10:21). But whilst the unbeliever is a beneficiary of God’s grace, it is for a limited time. Why? Because those who reject God’s love are accursed (1 Cor 16:22).

Love and Wrath

We now come to the difficult subject of God’s wrath.  The presence of love means that sin and evil also exist. Just as love cannot be separated from God, neither can His justice.  

John 3:16 is often quoted as a sentimental example of God’s love. But the reality is that we are sinners and our destiny should be hell.  But God sent Jesus to save us from this judgement.  Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and His death on the cross is the ultimate display of God’s love to humanity. But it’s also a display of God’s wrath against sin and evil.  Even though God does not want anyone to go to hell, but rather for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), the reality is the unsaved will be judged and punished.

If we try to at this point to assert that because God is love, he won’t punish anyone, then we are guilty of falling into errors such as annihilation (punishment is not eternal) or universalism (all are saved).  

1 John 4:10 says that Jesus was sent as a propitiation for our sins, which means Jesus took the Father’s wrath upon Himself on the cross.  We are free from the punishment of sin, provided we put our faith in Christ and repent of our sins. Remember, we as believers need not fear God’s wrath, because we will not be punished. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

Conclusion

Love is from God because God is love.  Love is a very precious gift, freely and generously given to us by God Himself.

Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate display of that love, but connected to love is the judgement, punishment and eradication of sin and evil. If you are reading this today and are saved, be very very grateful for the immense gift that you have been given through the love of Jesus.  

If you aren’t saved I would encourage you to click on this link to the Gospel to read more about Jesus and your need for a Saviour.  Now is your opportunity to put your faith in Christ, repent of your sins, never be fearful of God’s wrath but instead be a recipient of His eternal life changing love.  

I cannot remember where I heard this saying, but one preacher said “we want heaven to be filled with people that God loves.  But will it be filled with people that love God?”

I encourage you to go back to those opening questions in Part 1 and consider how you would now answer them in light of what we have learnt about God’s love.