How should 2 Peter 2:6 influence our understanding of God's justice and mercy? Setting the Scene • 2 Peter 2:6: “if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly;” • Peter points back to a historical judgment (Genesis 19) to give a present-day warning and a future forecast. Justice Illustrated in Ashes • The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah shows that God’s judgments are decisive, public, and irreversible. • Genesis 19:24-25: “Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain…” • Jude 1:7 echoes the same lesson: “Sodom and Gomorrah…serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” • God’s justice is not capricious; it answers persistent, unrepentant wickedness. Mercy Highlighted by Rescue • Immediately after verse 6, Peter reminds us of Lot’s deliverance. – 2 Peter 2:7-9: “and if He rescued Lot… then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.” • Mercy was extended to anyone willing to heed the warning; Lot’s sons-in-law could have escaped (Genesis 19:14) but refused. • God simultaneously judges sin and spares those who trust Him—justice and mercy operating side by side. Related Passages That Echo the Theme • Genesis 18:25: “Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” • Romans 11:22: “Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God…” • Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed… His mercies never fail.” • Psalm 145:8-9: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger… His compassion rests on all He has made.” Applying the Lesson • Take sin seriously; God certainly does. • Recognize that delayed judgment is not indifference but patience (2 Peter 3:9). • Find confidence that God can shield the faithful even while judging the wicked around them. • Let the “example” of Sodom motivate repentance and grateful worship for the mercy found in Christ. Takeaway Truths to Hold 1. God’s justice is certain and ultimate—no wrongdoing escapes His notice. 2. God’s mercy is equally real—He delights to rescue those who respond to His warning. 3. The past destruction of Sodom is a sober preview of final judgment and a gracious call to flee to the Savior today. |
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