Bible Quote by Desmond Ford
““It is fashionable to avoid talking of the wrath of God. Karl Barth for years neglected the theme and likewise most contemporary theologians. But the Apocalypse knows no such finicky reserve. There are sixteen references to wrath here. Moderns have forgotten that the most loved verse of the Bible warns that unbelievers will “perish.” The sun that melts wax also hardens clay. No one can be the same after hearing the gospel. They are either better or worse—much better or much worse. But God’s wrath is not irritable and moody like ours. It is the inevitable recoil of holiness against all that would destroy.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Theology of the Old Testament, Desmond Ford, 1975
God’s wrath is presented as a holy, inevitable response to evil, not a capricious emotion, emphasizing moral accountability and the transformative power of the gospel.
In simple terms: Divine wrath is a holy reaction to evil, not moodiness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the seriousness of moral choices.
Themes
theology
justice
holiness
accountability
Mood
serious
reflective
solemn
Type
theological
didactic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal repentance
- ethical decision making
- counseling
- teaching
Key Concepts
Divine retribution
holiness
moral transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does understanding divine wrath affect personal ethics?
- Can we balance fear and hope in preaching?
A Different Perspective
Human interpretations may downplay the seriousness of divine judgment.
