Objects of Wrath

An honest look at what we were before Christ keeps us humble and teachable. We live in light of our “in Christ” realities, but we keep an eye on our “before Christ” reality to remind us of what we have been delivered from. 

In Paul’s letter to the saints in Ephesus, he identified the believer’s condition before submitting to the Lordship of Christ. Notice what we were before Jesus became Lord of our lives. 

“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” Eph 2:3 (NIV)

Why would we be objects of God’s wrath? God is holy! The Psalmist affirms, “God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.” Psalms 7:11 (NIV)

The wonderful news is that in Christ we are no longer objects of God’s wrath, but rather objects of God’s love. Sin must be punished. Sin must be atoned for. God’s grace has changed our desperate situation.

• “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” Romans 5:9 (NIV)
  
• “…for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thess 1:9-10 (NIV)
  
• “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess 5:9 (NIV)

You are treasured by the Creator of the universe. God took the initiative to make a way for you to be in right standing before Him. His way is the only way. Through faith in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, you are delivered from being the object of God’s wrath. Now we are on shouting ground! Walk in light of your new identity in Christ. You are victorious!

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care