They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power…
God’s grace only looms large in our minds when we understand what would happen to us without it! When we realize the ultimate fate awaiting those who do not receive God’s grace revealed in Jesus!
Paul says – God is just!
What does this mean?
It means His very nature is about fairness. While God is also merciful, His mercy does not make Him unfair. Every wrong must be made right!
Those who are persecuting the believers in Thessalonica will be punished. In fact, every sin will receive a fair penalty. And sin’s punishment is separation from God, hell!
But God is more than just. He is also love. His love sends Jesus to take our punishment on the cross.
Jesus’ death pays for the sins of those who trust Him. Another fate awaits those who reject God’s grace. They will pay for their own sins!
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
The thought of hell – separation from God – is a terrible thought. The idea of evil behavior going unpunished is equally troubling.
God is just and loving. Jesus takes the punishment of our sins. Now when God graciously extends the mercy of forgiveness, He is also just because the price of sin was paid by Jesus.
Why do you think Jesus spoke so often about the reality of hell?
He wanted the world to know the greatness of God’s saving grace.
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