The discussion dives into the delicate balance between mercy, holiness, and justice in God's character. Listeners will reflect on the historical evolution of views regarding sin and divine wrath from the Great Awakening to modern times. The tragic story of Uzzah emphasizes the seriousness of God's expectations and the weight of holiness. Critical moral issues, like abortion, highlight the tension between humanity's rebellion and divine authority. Ultimately, the conversation invites deeper understanding of how God's mercy is a precious gift rather than an obligation.
God's mercy is a voluntary aspect of His character, underscoring the importance of grace as an undeserved gift rather than an entitlement.
The severity of God's justice illustrated in the Old Testament emphasizes His demand for holiness, highlighting the seriousness of disobedience to His authority.
Deep dives
Understanding God's Mercy
Mercy is a fundamental aspect of God's character, but it is entirely voluntary; God is never obligated to extend mercy to anyone, especially to those who rebel against Him. Many people mistakenly believe that they are owed mercy, which can lead to a misunderstanding of both justice and grace. A true comprehension of God's nature reveals that while He is merciful, He does not have to be merciful towards sinful humanity. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize the significance of His grace as an undeserved gift rather than an expected entitlement.
The Balance of Justice and Holiness
The Old Testament offers numerous examples that highlight the seriousness of God's justice, such as the swift punishments meted out to individuals like Nadab, Abihu, and Uzzah for their transgressions. These instances illustrate a divine standard of holiness that God demands from those who serve Him, emphasizing that He will be regarded as holy. This calls attention to the reality that God's actions are not arbitrary or cruel but serve to remind humanity of His righteous authority and the gravity of disobedience. Even in severe punishments, there is a manifestation of God's justice that stands in stark contrast to the notion that He has a 'shadow side.'
God's Long-Suffering and Gracious Forbearance
Despite the instances of divine judgment recorded in Scripture, what truly stands out is God's long-suffering nature, where He continually extends grace and forgiveness to rebellious creatures. The history depicted in the Old Testament showcases countless opportunities given to humanity for repentance, even as they continue to defy Him. This grace does not negate God's justice; rather, it highlights the mystery of why God chooses to endure disobedience over time instead of executing instant punishment. Ultimately, the underlying truth is that humanity lives by grace, and believers should be profoundly grateful for God's mercy while recognizing the seriousness of His call to holiness.
When Uzzah touched the ark of the covenant to keep it from falling to the ground, he wrongly assumed that his sinful hands were cleaner than the dirt. Today, R.C. Sproul outlines the danger of trifling with our holy God.
Request the new 40th-anniversary edition of R.C. Sproul’s book The Holiness of God, plus lifetime digital access to both the classic teaching series and the extended teaching series, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3885/donate
Meet Today’s Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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