The Wrath of God Against Unrighteousness

Sin That Suppresses the Truth 

(Romans 1:18-19)

When people do what God hates, they inevitably fall under His wrath. God’s wrath comes upon everyone—believers and unbelievers alike—and it is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness.

1. Ungodliness and Unrighteousness
Ungodliness is related to our relationship with God—it is having a wrong posture before Him. For those who stand before the God who alone deserves worship with hypocrisy or irreverence, wrath is reserved. Unrighteousness is related to our relationship with others—acting deceitfully or harmfully in order to satisfy one’s greed. A person who acts in this way is, in truth, someone who is not rightly related to God, for ungodliness and unrighteousness are always connected.

2. Why People Do Not Let Go of This Sin
Those who are ungodly and those who commit unrighteousness are the very ones who suppress the truth. Their actions reflect an inward desire to resist and block the truth. God hates the sin of suppressing the truth. Yet why do people cling to this sin? Because they conclude too easily, “There will be no wrath. Everything will simply pass.” This is true not only of unbelievers but of believers as well. Whether believer or unbeliever, anyone who suppresses the truth cannot escape the wrath of God.

3. Both Unbelievers and Believers
Some may argue that unbelievers, who do not know the truth, are treated unfairly. But God has placed within every person something by which they may know Him. It is people themselves who suppress this by following the desires of the flesh. Therefore, they are accountable for suppressing the truth. Believers must be even more careful. We must not become those who unknowingly suppress the truth. Let us understand what condition we were once in, recognize what we are now, and learn the worth of grace. And let us walk in a life worthy of grace.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim