The Goodness and Severity of God

March 12, 2023

In our generation, the goodness of God and His mercy are emphasized while little

or nothing is said about his severity. We are not excited to even admit that God can

be severe and has been severe with the people he created: Adam, Cain, Pharoah,

and etc. Why should we think that he would not discipline his children? Israel and

the Christian community are not bastards, but are sons; so, our God chastises whom

he loves (Hebrews 12:8). Scripture regarding Israel (Romans 11:11ff) is very clear

that Israel was “broken off” of the true vine because of faithlessness or unbelief

after having believed. For us to deny that one can grieve the Holy Spirit and fall out

of God’s favor is irrational. Paul says, “Be not high-minded, but fear: For if God

spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold

therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but

toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt

be cut off.” How plain is that? Do we refute scripture and deny that God expects

fidelity or do we believe Satan, that we cannot fall from grace. Fall may be less

troublesome in our mind than rebellion, but the result is the same. Our sin, willful

and not a proper response to grace, separates us from our God and from each other.

That fact that division is real is not questioned, so why not be fully impressed with

the reasons: lust, sin, and the separation from God. If we continue not in his

goodness, we should also expect to be cut off (Romans 11:22).

The good news is that we, along with physical Israel, can repent of our rebellion

and return to the Shepherd and bishop of our souls. We (Gentiles) were grafted in

and they may be grafted in through repentance. Remaining faithful is our choice, as

is repenting. God is forever merciful and always loving toward the lost sheep of the

house of Israel and those who have escaped the fold of Christ. The great falling

away began then, is in progress, and will continue. Hopefully you will not deny the

Lord as did Peter, but if and when you repent like Peter, realize that it becomes you

who needs “to restore the brethren”! Yes, restore those who have fallen from grace

because they who are not fallen do not need restoration.

Kenneth E. Morrison