It’s called “orgé” in the Bible’s original Greek text

Strong defines it as “anger, wrath, passion; punishment, vengeance.” The Bible records many instances of God demonstrating His “orgé” against sin and sinners. Entire cities were destroyed, entire nations were destroyed, Noah’s entire world was destroyed with the exception of his family. Today’s Verse mentions a future day when God’s wrath will be poured out in wave upon wave like a continually erupting volcano. The extent of destruction will be indescribable.

How does this teaching affect us as believers in Christ? The scriptural teaching presented throughout the book of Revelation does not need to be embellished by a Hollywood producer. The Scriptures speak for themselves. It is said that no soldier can go through the hellish battles of war without being changed; likewise, no believer can embrace this hellish scenario without being changed.

First, this teaching rightly impresses God’s anger toward sin upon the believer’s heart. It is unfortunately true that believers at all stages of spiritual maturity treat sin too lightly. It is easier to make excuses than to acknowledge sin. However, the more the believer ponders God’s hatred of sin, the more likely it is the believer will realize its true abominable nature. Increasingly, the believer should develop a hatred of sin as well as its devastating effect upon others.

Second, this teaching leads the believer to develop a reverence and awe toward God. “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV). Israel’s experience at Mount Sinai generated deep reverence and awe, though only for a short time. Such reverence, awe, even fear is not something to be shunned but rather to be embraced. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the HOLY One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, CSB). Such wisdom begins with a knowledge of Him as holy and this holiness leads to the demonstration of His wrath.

Third, this teaching provides inspiration to praise Him for delivering the believer from the wrath to come. The Apostle Paul urges the believer to “wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:10, CSB). God’s eternal wrath is not our future!

Last, this teaching constantly reminds the believer to persuade men to receive Christ! “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord we persuade men” (2 Cor 5:10). Love is powerful, but it does not motivate all. But what sane person wants a loved one to experience firsthand such terror? Unimaginable! It should drive us to our knees in prayer for those who do not know Christ. Jude writes, “save others by snatching them from the fire.” It is as if their feet are only inches from the fire. We snatch them from such destruction by sharing with them the gospel of peace.

God help us to open our eyes to this coming reality!

“For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand.” Revelation 6:17

Tom Swartzwelder was born again at the age of nine in an old-fashioned revival meeting. Tom received his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his M. Div from Luther Rice Seminary. He has pastored for nearly forty years in both bi-vocational and full-time roles. He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ at http://www.godsgreenhouse.net. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”