What does "we are consumed by Your anger" teach about God's holiness? Setting the Scene: Psalm 90:7 “For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath.” • Written by Moses, this psalm contrasts God’s everlasting nature with humanity’s frailty. • The verse speaks literally: God’s anger is an active, consuming reality, not a metaphor or exaggeration. What God’s Anger Reveals About His Holiness • Holiness means God is utterly set apart—morally flawless, perfectly pure (Isaiah 6:3). • Because His purity is absolute, any sin arouses a righteous, burning response (Habakkuk 1:13). • “Consumed” pictures total overwhelm; holiness does not tolerate sin in measured doses. • The verse teaches that God’s anger is the reflex of His holiness—just as light banishes darkness, holiness moves against evil. Why the Phrase Matters for Us • Sin is never trivial; it provokes divine fury that no human can withstand (Nahum 1:6). • Our limits are exposed: we are “consumed,” showing human helplessness before perfect purity. • God’s anger underscores His justice; He is never indifferent toward wrongdoing (Deuteronomy 32:4). Supporting Scriptures • Hebrews 12:29 — “For our God is a consuming fire.” • Psalm 5:4 — “For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with You.” • Romans 1:18 — “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness…” • Revelation 15:4 — “You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.” Christ: The Only Shelter from Consuming Anger • God’s holiness demanded judgment; God’s love provided satisfaction in Christ (Isaiah 53:5). • At the cross, divine anger toward sin was poured out on Jesus, preserving God’s justice while offering mercy (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Trusting in Christ means God’s consuming anger is satisfied, replaced by steadfast love (Romans 5:9). Living in Light of a Holy God • Approach worship with reverence, not casual familiarity (Hebrews 12:28). • Confess and forsake sin quickly; holiness invites ongoing repentance (1 John 1:9). • Let God’s holy anger against sin fuel gratitude for grace and inspire holy living (1 Peter 1:15-16). |
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