God's Love-Hate Relationship With Us

What does the Bible say about God's hate? Can, Should, Does, a loving God hate?

The woman is going ballistic inside her car, ranting and raving at the man, pounding on her steering wheel and dash. The light turns yellow and the woman begins to blow the car horn, flips him off, and screams profanity and curses at the man. The man, looks up, sees the yellow light and accelerates through the intersection just as the light turns red. The woman is beside herself, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection. As she is still in mid-rant she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the barrel of a gun held by a very serious looking policeman. The policeman tells her to shut off her car while keeping both hands in sight. She complies, speechless at what is happening. After she shuts off the engine, the policeman orders her to exit her car with her hands up. She gets out of the car and he orders her to turn and place her hands on her car then handcuffs her and takes her to the police station where she is fingerprinted, photographed, searched, booked and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door for her. She is escorted back to the booking desk where the original officer is waiting with her personal effects and says, "I'm really sorry for this mistake. But you see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the "Choose Life" license plate holder, the "What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the "Follow Me to Sunday School" bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally I assumed you had stolen the car."

The woman is beside herself, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection. As she is still in mid-rant she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the barrel of a gun held by a very serious looking policeman. The policeman tells her to shut off her car while keeping both hands in sight. She complies, speechless at what is happening. After she shuts off the engine, the policeman orders her to exit her car with her hands up. She gets out of the car and he orders her to turn and place her hands on her car then handcuffs her and takes her to the police station where she is fingerprinted, photographed, searched, booked and placed in a cell.

Imaginations or schemes refer not only to the ideas or desires to do evil but also to the actual calculations that bring those ideas and desires to pass. The same Hebrew word is used to describe the cunning work of craftsmen (; ,) and also the carrying out of Haman’s wicked scheme against the Jews (,; ).

After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door for her. She is escorted back to the booking desk where the original officer is waiting with her personal effects and says, "I'm really sorry for this mistake. But you see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the "Choose Life" license plate holder, the "What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the "Follow Me to Sunday School" bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk.

Naturally I assumed you had stolen the car."

A person who devises wicked schemes is essentially entertaining the devil, leaving him- or herself wide open to Satan’s suggestions. If we dig a hole for someone else, we most assuredly will fall in it. (NKJV) 9 Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, "Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king's behalf, is standing at the house of Haman." Then the king said, "Hang him on it!" 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.

What does the Bible say about God's hate? Can, Should, Does, a loving God hate?

The casual use of such words as love and hate has emptied them of their meaning. We no longer understand or use statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. Like sin that in todays society are no longer considered sin(living together out of marrage, homosexualality). So we picture God as gentle and kind—a cosmic pushover, and our concept of what he hates is tempered by our misconceptions and wishful thinking. People in general, look for a way to be able to live the style of life they like and also feel good about themselves and their relationship with God.

The casual use of such words as love and hate has emptied them of their meaning. We no longer understand or use statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. Like sin that in todays society are no longer considered sin(living together out of marriage, homosexuality). So we picture God as gentle and kind—a cosmic pushover, and our concept of what he hates is tempered by our misconceptions and wishful thinking. People in general, look for a way to be able to live the style of life they like and also feel good about themselves and their relationship with God.

The casual use of such words as love and hate has emptied them of their meaning. We no longer understand or use statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. Like sin that in todays society are no longer considered sin(living together out of marrage, homosexualality). So we picture God as gentle and kind—a cosmic pushover, and our concept of what he hates is tempered by our misconceptions and wishful thinking. People in general, look for a way to be able to live the style of life they like and also feel good about themselves and their relationship with God.

The words of the prophets stand in stark contrast to such misconceptions. God’s hatred is real—burning, consuming, and destroying. He hates sin, and he stands as the righteous Judge, ready to hand out just punishment to all who defy his rule. God’s love is also real. So real that he sent his Son, the Messiah, to save and accept judgment in the sinner’s place. Love and hate are together—both unending, irresistible, and unfathomable.

****What does the Bible say about God's hate? Can, Should, Does, a loving God hate?

The words of the prophets stand in stark contrast to such misconceptions. God’s hatred is real—burning, consuming, and destroying. He hates sin, and he stands as the righteous Judge, ready to mete out just punishment to all who defy his rule. God’s love is also real. So real that he sent his Son, the Messiah, to save and accept judgment in the sinner’s place. Love and hate are together—both unending, irresistible, and unfathomable.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

GOD HATES SIN, THERE IS NO NEGOTIATING!!!

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

GOD HATES SIN, THERE IS NO NEGOTIATING!!!

Proverbs 6:16-19

GOD HATES SIN, THERE IS NO NEGOTIATING!!! (NKJV) 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

16 These six things doth the Lord hate:

17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,

Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,

17 A proud look, a lying tongue,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

And hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,

Feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

19 A false witness that speaketh lies,

19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

And he that soweth discord among brethren.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

This is God’s list of the seven deadly sins. (Bear in mind that these are not necessarily what the world, or even some believers, consider to be the worst sins, nor are they the only sins that God hates) The fact that God wanted to and did mention these specﬁc sins tells us something. God wanted these 7 sins noticed above all the sins that are not mentioned.

Notice the strong terms that deﬁne God’s attitude toward these sins. God hates these things; they are an abomination to Him. This is very strong language. These terms convey the “most intense outrage possible—hatred not toward evil in general, but toward a specﬁc expression of it.”

Notice the strong terms that deﬁne God’s attitude toward these sins. God hates these things; they are an abomination to Him. “This is very strong language. It is hard to imagine a more deﬁnitive way to express God’s displeasure.” These terms convey the “most intense outrage possible—hatred not toward evil in general, but toward a speciﬁc expression of it.” Him 6:16b are an abomination to Him: (nephesh) is the Hebrew word for soul (v. 16). This word is rarely used in connection with God. Literally, these sins are an abomination to [God’s] soul—His inner person, “the deepest part of His being.”

God does not use words lightly in His inspired Word. So, when Scripture says God hates something, we must take heed. Many of us, preachers included, tend to shy away from this aspect of God’s character and Person. Too often, we seek to shape God into a mold that makes us comfortable. But, this great truth must not be watered down. The fear of the Lord will disappear when the truth of God’s hatred toward sin is minimized or ignored.

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

***As We Consider The Love-Hate Relationship, Let Us First Look At....

18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

God does not use words lightly in His inspired Word. So, when Scripture says God hates something, we must take heed. Many of us, preachers included, tend to shy away from this aspect of God’s character and Person. Too often, we seek to shape God into a mold that makes us comfortable. But, this great truth must not be watered down. The fear of the Lord will disappear when the truth of God’s hatred toward sin is minimized or ignored ().

I. God’s Hate Relationship With Us

****Let us Take Each Sin, One by One and Briefly Look at Them. First There is...

18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

A proud look-Haughty, prideful eyes (v. 17a).

I. A proud look-Haughty, prideful eyes....

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

17 A proud look, a lying tongue,

A proud look-Haughty, prideful eyes (v. 17a).

A. A proud look-Haughty, prideful eyes....

v17 A proud look, a lying tongue,And hands that shed innocent blood,

And hands that shed innocent blood,

The sin at the top of the list is the one sin that is the root of all others: pride. A proud look literally means raised or lifted eyes. Lofty, prideful eyes are the outward sign of a proud, arrogant heart. Haughty eyes, of course, are the outward manifestation of a proud heart. The term translated “haughty” is literally “high.” This describes someone who has exalted himself above others and is looking down upon them. We have all sorts of expressions that reflect this imagery:

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Haughty eyes, of course, are the outward manifestation of a proud heart. The term translated “haughty” is literally “high.” This describes someone who has exalted himself above others and is looking down upon them. We have all sorts of expressions that reflect this imagery:

The sin at the top of the list is the one sin that is the root of all others: pride. A proud look literally means raised or lifted eyes. Lofty, prideful eyes are the outward sign of a proud, arrogant heart. Haughty eyes, of course, are the outward manifestation of a proud heart. The term translated “haughty” is literally “high.” This describes someone who has exalted himself above others and is looking down upon them. We have all sorts of expressions that reflect this imagery:

The sin at the top of the list is the one sin that is the root of all others: pride. A proud look literally means raised or lifted eyes. Lofty, prideful eyes are the outward sign of a proud, arrogant heart (30:13; ; ).

27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; But wilt bring down high looks.

A proud person is said to be on his “high horse.”

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

We say that a proud person “looks down his nose” at others.

27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; But wilt bring down high looks.

(NKJV) 5

We say that a proud person “looks down his nose” at others.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

An arrogant person is sometimes called “stuck up.”

But wilt bring down high looks.

An arrogant person is sometimes called “stuck up.”

Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Pride has many different faces: some people are “holier than thou”. Pride is very harmful, yet very enticing. It effects everything in your life.

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.

27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; But wilt bring down high looks.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Prideful eyes look down not only on other people but also on God. The heart and the eyes work together, for what the heart loves, the eyes will seek and ﬁnd.

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

(NKJV) 17 "Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, For shedding innocent blood, And practicing oppression and violence."

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

(NKJV) 17 "Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, For shedding innocent blood, And practicing oppression and violence."

16 For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world.

17 But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness,

And for to shed innocent blood,

And lfor oppression, and for violence, to do it.

God promises that the high and haughty eyes of the proud will one day be lowered. Consider the great prophecy of Isaiah:

****After the Proud Look, We Have...

11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,

B. A Lying tongue....

II. A Lying tongue (v. 17b).

11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,

II. A Lying tongue....

II. A Lying tongue (v. 17b).

And the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,

Notice the terrible fate of the arrogant king of Palestine, Herod Agrippa I:

And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

12 For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, And upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue,

“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost” ().

And upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

v17 A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

A Lying tongue (v. 17b).

And hands that shed innocent blood,

b. A Lying tongue (v. 17b).

A tongue that lies is one that totally disregards and distorts the truth. The reference here in Proverbs is to lying in general; it is a broad term that covers all types and degrees of untruth. God hates what are commonly called little white lies—thought by many to be harmless and excusable—as well as gross and dangerous lies, known to be hurtful and dangerous.

God is a God of Truth, He does not lie, nor can He lie!! Lying totally contradicts the character of God:

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have ﬂed for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have ﬂed for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” ().

liars will be judged:

****Next We Have....

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

C. Hands that shed innocent blood....

v17 A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

17 A proud look, a lying tongue,

And hands that shed innocent blood,

murderous, violent hands The Israelites’ hands were bloody because they sacriﬁced their children to idols:

murderous, violent hands

The Israelites’ hands were bloody because they sacriﬁced their children to idols:

37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons And their daughters unto devils, 38 And shed innocent blood, Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: And the land was polluted with blood.

37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons And their daughters unto devils,

And their daughters unto devils,

38 And shed innocent blood,

Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters,

Innocent blood is shed daily by the thousands of abortions done in the US daily.

Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan:

And the land was polluted with blood.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Innocent blood is shed daily by the thousands of abortions done in the US daily.

Innocent children, men, and women are murdered everyday around the world.

And ehands that shed innocent blood,

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Innocent Christians are Killed Daily Around the World.

To shed innocent blood is to despise life.

We Have Witnessed an Increase of this Sin in Todays Society.

***The Next Sin is...

D. A heart that devises wicked plans-Devious,

IV. A heart that devises wicked plans-Devious, scheming

scheming hearts....

hearts....

v18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,

fFeet that be swift in running to mischief,

Imaginations or schemes refer not only to the ideas or desires to do evil but also to the actual calculations that bring those ideas and desires to pass. The same Hebrew word is used to describe the cunning work of craftsmen (; ,) and also the carrying out of Haman’s wicked scheme against the Jews (,; ).

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Imaginations or schemes refer not only to the ideas or desires to do evil but also to the actual calculations that bring those ideas and desires to pass. The same Hebrew word is used to describe the cunning work of craftsmen (; ,) and also the carrying out of Haman’s wicked scheme against the Jews (,; ).

A person who devises wicked schemes is essentially entertaining the devil, leaving him- or herself wide open to Satan’s suggestions.

If we dig a hole for someone else, we most assuredly will fall in it.

If we dig a hole for someone else, we most assurdly will fall in it.

9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.

****Next We Have...

10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.

E. Feet that are swift in running to evil, (v. 18b).

v18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,

fFeet that be swift in running to mischief,

These feet belong to people who love sin, who run speedily to every opportunity to indulge their ﬂeshly desires. They have a zeal for wickedness. The language here actually implies that their evil behavior is harmful to others. It is parallel to that in , “…their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.” The wicked heart devises these satanic plots, the feet rush to commit the crime, and the hands shed the innocent blood of the victims.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

These feet belong to people who love sin, who run speedily to every opportunity to indulge their ﬂeshly desires. They have a zeal for wickedness. The language here actually implies that their evil behavior is harmful to others. It is parallel to that in , “…their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.” The wicked heart devises these satanic plots, the feet rush to commit the crime, and the hands shed the innocent blood of the victims.

****After “swift feet”, We Have....

F. A false witness who speak lies (v. 19a).

v19 A false witness that speaketh lies,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies,

And he that soweth discord among brethren.

The lies told refer to complete and utter ﬁction, tales that are totally manufactured. This is a speciﬁc act of lying: it is lying about somebody else. It is a direct violation of God’s commandment not to bear false witness against a neighbor ().

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The lies told refer to complete and utter ﬁction, tales that are totally manufactured. This is a speciﬁc act of lying: it is lying about somebody else. It is a direct violation of God’s commandment not to bear false witness against a neighbor, the ninth commandment. .

All six of the above offenses are clearly seen in the detestable slaughter of Naboth, an innocent man who refused to sell his vineyard to King Ahab:

***And the Last Sin Mentioned is....

G. One who sows discord among brethren -

Dissenting troublemakers (v. 19b).

v19 A false witness that speaketh lies,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies,

And he that soweth discord among brethren.

The last sin mentioned stands in a class by itself: dissension—the sowing of discord among brothers (v. 19b). God hates this sin so deeply because it is the result of Satan’s original sin. Satan’s rebellion against God resulted in the eternal division of God’s kingdom. This is what destroys families, work environments, churches, and communities. This diacord comes in many forms. People not agreeing on simple things. People who are prideful and will not change their minds on anything.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The last sin mentioned stands in a class by itself: dissension—the sowing of discord among brothers (v. 19b). God hates this sin so deeply because it is the result of Satan’s original sin. Satan’s rebellion against God resulted in the eternal division of God’s kingdom. This is what destroys families, work environments, churches, and communities. This diacord comes in many forms. People not agreeing on simple things. People who are prideful and will not change their minds on anything.

God greatly values unity among His people:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” ().

Paul warned the churches about the danger of division, and urged them to be of one accord, of one mind: “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” ().

Jesus acknowledged the importance of unity:

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” ().

Paul warned the churches about the danger of division, and urged them to be of one accord, of one mind: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” ().

“Only let your conversation [behavior, conduct] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:

Believers are called to be peacemakers, not troublemakers. Nothing handicaps or paralyzes the body of Christ like division (). In fact, the church is commanded to watch and stay away from those who do the devil’s work by causing division in the church ().

that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Ph.1:27). Believers are called to be peacemakers, not troublemakers. Nothing handicaps or paralyzes the body of Christ like division (). In fact, the church is commanded to watch and stay away from those who do the devil’s work by causing division in the church ().

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

which you learned, and avoid them.

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth

As we look at these things that God hates, let us look at ourselves. If we have any of these in us, we must take care of them and be pleasing to God.

words and ﬂattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

The study of this passage , requires self-examination. When reading this list, we must not think of others. If these sins are a part of our lives, we need to look within our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to convict us. We need to confess and repent of them. Then, we need to stand against them in the church and stand against those who commit them.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” ().

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”.

God hates sin and can not look upon sin. We sometimes clasify sin as big and little. W talk about and condem sins like homosexuality, adultry, muder, etc, but say very little of these 7 sins. These 7 sins cause more problems in churches than all the other.

****We Have Looked At The Hate, Now Let Us Look At

(NKJV) 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

(NKJV) 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

().

"But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will ﬁnd you out".

The judgment of believers is a surety: it will happen and nothing can stop it from happening. "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." Not a single believer will be excused from the judgment.

2. The believer will be judged by Christ Himself. Every believer will face the scrutiny and searching eyes of Christ and be judged.

"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him" ().

"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel" ().

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" ().

The judgment of God—of the only living and true God—is according to truth. God's judgment will be executed in perfect justice. God's judgment is perfectly just, exactly what it should be, nothing more and nothing less.

God knows the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; therefore, He will judge according to truth.

God will judge men not only for their deeds but for their thoughts...

• for the lust of the ﬂesh.

The Love Relationship We Have With God....

• for the lust of the eyes.

• for the pride of life ().

"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known" ().

"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" ().

The moralist thinks God is too good to punish.

God's goodness is to lead men to repentance, not to sin.

Most people think that God will accept them, that in the ﬁnal analysis they are good enough for God to accept them. What they fail to see is that God's judgment is based upon truth—the truth of what a person's thoughts and motives are, of what is really within a person's mind and heart.

"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself" ().

"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him" ().

"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" ().

God's Word is the standard we are to be judged by.

(NASB) 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and

piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

II. GOD'S LOVE

Frederick M. Lehman, 1917

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure—

God hates sin, but He also loves us very much!!

This hymn had its roots in an ancient (eleventh century) Jewish poem called the Hadamut. The poem was originally composed in Aramaic,

The Jewish poem begins by extolling the greatness of God and then goes on to describe a miracle, although opinions vary as to what the actual miracle was (or if there really was one at all). Some have interpreted it to mean that the Jews were facing extermination if a non-Jewish priest was successful in defending his beliefs. However, the Jewish priest triumphed and the Jews in Worms were spared.

Fast forward about eight hundred years or so when the third stanza of this epic poem was found penciled on the walls of an insane asylum:

Were the sky of parchment made, A quill each reed, each twig and blade, Could we with ink the oceans fill, Were every man a scribe of skill, The marvelous story, Of God’s great glory Would still remain untold; For He, most high The earth and sky Created alone of old.

An evangelist in the late 1890’s concluded his message by quoting these scrawled verses. At the meeting, and making notes, was songwriter Frederick H. Lehman.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

God hates sin, but He also loves us very much!!

God loves us more than we can realize. Love is part of God's nature.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

God loves us more than we can realize. Love is part of God's nature. (NKJV) 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Do we love with the love that God loved us?

God's gift of His Son is a unique gift that we do not deserve.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Real love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selfless, sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. How can we “lay down our lives”? By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return. Sometimes it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them—this involves putting others’ desires ﬁrst. Jesus taught this same principle of love in .

Real love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selﬂess, sacriﬁcial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. How can we “lay down our lives”? By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return. Sometimes it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them—this involves putting others’ desires ﬁrst. Jesus taught this same principle of love in .

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Christ is the example of true Christian love. Jesus gave His life for us that we may experience truth. Every Christian knows , but how many of us pay much attention to ? Christ laid down life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Christian love involves sacrifice and service. Christ did not simply talk about His love; He died to prove it ().

Christian love involves sacriﬁce and service. Christ did not simply talk about His love; He died to prove it ().

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justiﬁed by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

"Self-preservation" is the first law of physical life, but "self-sacrifice" is the first law of spiritual life.

dare to die. 8

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The whole world has been bitten by sin, and "the wages of sin is death" (). God sent His Son to die, not only for Israel, but for a whole world. How is a person born from above? How is he or she saved from eternal perishing? By believing on Jesus Christ; by looking to Him in faith. The difference between perishing and living, and between condemnation and salvation, is faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus could well have come to this world as a Judge and destroyed every rebellious sinner; but in love, He came to this world as our Saviour, and He died for us on the cross! He became the "uplifted serpent." The serpent in Moses' day brought physical life to dying Jews; but Jesus Christ gives eternal life to anyone who trusts Him. He has salvation for a whole world!

You must keep in mind that Christian love is not basically a "feeling"; it is an act of the will. The proof of our love is not in our feelings but in our actions, even to the extent of laying down our lives for Christ and for one another (). Jesus laid down His life for both His friends and His enemies!

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

love abides in God, and God in him.

Human love should be modeled on God's love.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

(NKJV) 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,

Conclusion: God loves us more than we could imagine, but He hates our sinful ways.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45

God hates ALL sin, but loves the sinner;

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

I hope and pray that you here today have experienced God’s love and know Jesus as your personal Savior.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do

the same?

47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax

collectors do so? 48

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.