How can we reconcile God's love with the destruction of the wicked? Two Sides of One Perfect Character • Psalm 145:20 states, “The LORD preserves all who love Him, but He will destroy all the wicked.” • Scripture never pits God’s attributes against each other. His love and His justice flow from the same holy nature (Exodus 34:6-7). • Because He is love (1 John 4:8) He must also oppose everything that destroys the people He loves—namely, sin and rebellion. Love That Offers Rescue First • John 3:16—God’s love moved Him to give His Son so that “everyone who believes in Him shall not perish.” • 2 Peter 3:9—He is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” • The cross shows that God would rather bear judgment Himself than see sinners destroyed (Romans 5:8). Justice That Honors Choice • God does not force relationship. Psalm 145:20 divides humanity by response: – “all who love Him” are preserved. – “all the wicked” are destroyed. • Romans 1:18—God’s wrath is “revealed…against all ungodliness.” Those who reject mercy choose to face that wrath themselves. • Hebrews 10:26-27 warns that willful, unrepentant sin leaves “only a fearful expectation of judgment.” Destruction Defined • “Destroy” (Psalm 145:20) is not random cruelty; it is the righteous end of unatoned sin (Romans 6:23). • Revelation 20:11-15 pictures final judgment: names not in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. • God’s judgment is eternal because sin against an infinite, holy God carries infinite consequences. Why Love Requires Judgment • Love protects: A shepherd who lets wolves roam free does not love his sheep (John 10:11-15). • Love upholds worth: By judging evil, God declares that His glory and human dignity matter. • Love vindicates: Psalm 145:20 assures the faithful that evil will not have the last word. Living in the Tension • Marvel that the same God who must judge wickedness also extends open-armed mercy (Isaiah 55:6-7). • Receive preservation by turning to Christ in faith and love (Acts 16:31). • Reflect His character: hate what is evil, cling to what is good (Romans 12:9), sharing the gospel so others may escape destruction (Jude 23). |
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