The Clincher

As I have talked with other believers, I have come to find that they hold certain aspects of salvation more meaningful than others. For some it's the forgiveness of sin, for others it's the ability to be in communion with God, and for some it's the promise of eternal life spent with Him in Heaven. I'm not saying that they only hold on to one aspect...it's just there are certain things that really stand out. It's no different for me. I can sum it up in one word...Wrath. Wait...don't stop reading now. Romans 5:9 tells us : "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." (NASB) 1 Thessalonians 5:9 tells us: "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ," (NASB) I grew up in the Church and heard it put in these various ways "Jesus died for our sins", "He paid the punishment for our sins", "He took our sins upon Him", "He suffered for our sins". All are true; however, none seemed to really speak to me about what had happened. The wrath of God that we all deserve as sinners was poured out on His Son on the cross. That one word, "wrath" speaks volumes to me. That was what I deserved and that was from what I was spared.

Usually my question after reflecting on this is..."Why?" The first answer that comes to my mind and possibly the minds of most is Love. John 3:16 to me, is the most obvious example. However, I find myself leaning toward another answer(s)...His Glory...His Will...His Pleasure. Philippians 2:13 says "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (NASB) also, Romans 9:23 says "And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory," (NASB). I am not saying Love is not an answer, but that I don't see it as the only answer.