“Behold Therefore The Goodness And Severity Of God”

David Eldridge

Many, both in the secular and religious world, have a decidedly one-sided view of God as being a God who is only loving, forgiving, and merciful. The Eternal God of heaven and earth has many characteristics which we would do well to consider. Paul encourages the Roman brethren to “Consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). Let us consider God’s goodness and His severity.

The Goodness of God – Paul notes, as we should, that God is very good. Truly He is a God of love, mercy, and forgiveness (1 John 4:16; Hebrews 8:12). For these things we should always give thanks! In the context of Romans 11, Paul is speaking of the goodness God has shown towards the Gentiles in allowing them to be His people. This is where to great goodness of God is found – in the salvation he offers by His grace. However, it is also of importance to note that God shows His goodness towards those who continue in His goodness (viz. remain faithful). Those who have not obeyed the Lord to become a child of His, or have strayed into unfaithfulness after doing so, are not abiding in the riches of His goodness (Ephesians 1:7). God is good, and His goodness is found by those who are faithful children of His.

The Severity of God – Though much of the world blindly chooses to ignore it, God is also severe. The harshness of God awaits those who are not among His people. If one has not obeyed God (having heard, believed, repented, confessed, and been baptized) they are going to see the severity of God one, sad day (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). If one has been “grafted in” among God’s people but then turns back to the world, he will also see God’s severity (2 Peter 2:21). Those who refuse to obey will be met with God’s severity as He says, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Does this make God unloving, unmerciful, or unkind? No, it makes Him just! Disregard for His law must be punished and in His justice His severity will be shown in doing just that.

What, then, is the lesson to be learned? Take advantage of the goodness of God while it is available. Serve him faithfully in sincere obedience. Why? If you do not, when your earthly life is over, God’s goodness will be no longer available and His severity is all you will find.