The Anger Of God

In Psalm 2, the Psalmist said the nations were angry. And their anger was directed straight toward God. According to the rest of the verse, it was a waste of their time.

Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?  Psalm 2:1

Those living during the days of the Old Covenant usually knew where they stood with God. Israel especially knew because they were God’s chosen people.

Many nations feared the God of Israel because of how He delivered the Israelites out of bondage from Egypt. In fact, many of those ungodly nations no longer exist today.

If we were under the Old Covenant today, how would the United States fare? Its forefathers founded this country as one nation under God.

But today it not only serves many gods but is self-serving as well. We have become a nation that in God’s eyes is spiritually lukewarm like the church in Laodicea.

But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:16

The writer of Psalm 2 gave a word of encouragement to the nations. He then followed it up with a warning.

Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Psalm 2:10

Benefits of the New Covenant

Of course, the benefits of living under the New Covenant far outweigh the old one. In the Old Covenant, Israel was the only nation that had any fellowship with God.

In the new one, everyone has access to get into heaven. Jesus made this possible when He died on the cross. Why? Because He fulfilled the Old Testament law.

Thus God opened the way for all to accept what Jesus accomplished when He conquered sin and death. When we accept Christ, the Bible tells us that by grace we are saved.

Therefore because of the patience of God, He has laid aside His anger until the very end. Instead of punishment, God has made a way for us to grow closer to Him.

Because of God’s grace and mercy He also sent us His Spirit. The Holy Spirit comforts and helps us by His power and guidance.

Grace and Mercy from God instead of His Anger

Grace and mercy are wonderful attributes that God has offered to the world in these last days. Sadly it can also be the downfall for many people.

There are those today living lives of sin and immorality without suffering any consequences. They believe since God doesn’t stop them, then He accepts their lifestyle.

Let me assure you that God’s wrath is still active as it was in the Old Testament. Only for us while living on this earth, God focuses more on His grace than on His anger.

In eternity, however, the grace and mercy of God, and even His anger are put aside. He’ll replace them with His justice.

Those who thought their sinful lives were acceptable to God and those who rejected Jesus, must look out. They will experience the wrath of God forever.

The same warning the Psalmist gave to the rulers of the nations also applies to everyone else as well.

Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11

The Remedy for Sin

God won’t tolerate sin and will not allow it to pass through the pearly gates of heaven. The psalmist revealed that the only remedy for sin came from God Himself.

Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities— for his anger flares up in an instant. Psalm 2:12

If you want to move past the anger of God then submit to God’s royal son, Jesus. When you submit to God’s royal son then you and God will experience joy.  

But what joy for all who take refuge in him! Psalm 2:12

Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy, help us to effectively share your goodness with others. We know your anger God is real and your justice is eternal.

Check out this related post on the anger of God called Are You One Who Has Aroused God’s Anger Lately?