In the opening chapter of the book of Jeremiah, the prophet is called to be ‘prophet to the nations’. Jeremiah is the only OT prophet who spoke to ALL nations, which happens sporadically throughout the book. Yet the prophet dedicates the last 6 chapters of his book (over 10% of the book) to speaking to the nation. And his message to them is one of judgment, showing not only that Jeremiah is prophet to the nations, but God is God of the nations. He will judge ALL nations that rebel against Him and against His people.
So how should Christians feel about God’s judgment? Most non-Christians despise the idea that God will one day judge them for their sin. Humans like to think we’re basically good people, and that we’ve done enough to earn God’s favour. ‘Only the REALLY bad people should go to hell.’ Such notions often leave Christians a little shy about speaking of God’s judgement.
Yet God’s judgment shows that our God treats righteousness and wickedness properly. He will not allow wicked acts to go unpunished. This is a good thing. God hates sin, and will one day eradicate his world of it. Yet on top of that, he will bring to justice those who have sinned against Him and against His people. As such, Christians should be proud that our God judges the wicked.
Yet on top of this, if we don’t tell people about the judgement to come (i.e. hell), then there is no real urgency in people turning to Jesus. If Hell doesn’t await people, what is there to worry about. In fact, without Hell, the average non-Christian has LESS reason to turn to Christ, for turning to Christ means (i) repentance – admitting we’re sinful, and (ii) faith – believing God’s rules to be the best way to live. The human heart hates such humility (repentance) and loss of control (faith).
So may Christians not be ashamed of God’s judgment, but rather shout it from the rooftops, so as to save as many as we can.
Brendan McLaughlin
