Man’s Greatest Problem
Winter 2023
The last few years have been challenging in the world. For many, simply surviving is a challenge. But in the comfortable, developed world we have enjoyed times of prosperity, increased life expectancy, and the liberty of recreation. In recent years, though, we have experienced the impact of COVID-19. We are presently confronted with inflationary pressure, the level of which is unknown to most under 50. Add to this the anxiety of global conflict arising from the wars in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza. Our problems are minimal in comparison to those living in war, but the question can be asked of all, “What is man's greatest problem?” Is it the loss of financial security? Is it the loss of health? Is it living in the midst of a world engulfed in conflict? While these are very real problems, none of these is man's greatest problem.
The Word of God reveals that Jesus Christ is God’s greatest gift. As the year closes we may think of the coming of Christ—He is God’s “unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). If the gift of Christ and the good news of the gospel are God’s solution to man’s predicament, then the wrath of God is man's greatest problem. When we suffer harm in this world it is a painful experience. But it is temporary and is associated with comforts at times. Furthermore, the pains of this world are temporary. But to die under the wrath of God is to suffer the eternal loss of all comforts.
The wrath of God is God’s settled, just, disposition toward all that is against His character and law. Sin is transgression of God’s law. It is rebellion against God. The Bible states, “God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11). All mankind are by nature and practice sinners. Only those who believe in Jesus Christ are delivered from God’s wrath. So, for all who do not believe on the Son of God, the wrath of God abides on them. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
God’s wrath is presently being revealed as He abandons sinners to pursue their sinful denials of His authority. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). God’s wrath is universal against all who are not “in Christ.” All the world violating God’s law is “guilty before God” (Romans 3:19). Left to ourselves, God’s wrath is inescapable: “And thinkest thou this, O man…that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?” (Romans 2:3)
Yet, we can be delivered from God’s wrath by trusting in God’s provision. God’s gift, His Son, came to die as a propitiatory, wrath appeasing, sacrifice (Romans 3:25). For all who rest in Christ, it can be said that Jesus has “delivered [them] from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:9).
As 2023 draws to a close, we have confronted many problems and if Christ tarries, we will encounter more in 2024. But have we faced up to our greatest problem? Have we found in Christ the solution to that problem?
From the Past
The sentence is…an unanswerable reply to some grievous errors which are very prevalent in some quarters.
(a) It condemns the notion, upheld by some, that under the gospel there is no more anger in God, and that He is only love, mercy, and compassion and nothing else. Here we are plainly told of “the wrath of God.”
(b) It condemns the notion, maintained by some, that the elect are justified from all eternity, or justified before they believe. Here we are plainly told that if a man does not believe on the Son, God’s wrath abides on him. We know nothing of anyone’s justification until he believes.
(c) It condemns the modern idea that Christ by His death justified all mankind, and removed God’s wrath from the whole seed of Adam; and that all men and women are justified in reality, though they do not know it, and will all finally be saved.
(d) Finally, it condemns the weak and false charity of those who say that preachers of the gospel should never speak of God’s wrath and should never mention hell.
From J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John. Notes on John 3:36