Chalke Talk 26: God is not angry; God is love

This week, Steve looks at why so many have come to believe God is a vengeful wrath-filled judge, and where we, as Christians, got off on the wrong foot thinking this way.

After arguing, last week, that Christianity is not some sort of insurance policy for life after death, Steve continues to question why it is we so often picture God as wrath-filled and vengeful instead of merciful and loving. Are we truly born into sin, as John Calvin would have it, or is the Bible actually meant to be read through a lens of love, mercy and forgiveness?

Reflecting on his own experience, of having wrath pronounced upon him by people who disagree with him, Steve pushes us to see the Bible through a frame of love, not revenge and guilt. From Adam and Eve to many others in the bible who fall short, this speaks more to God’s character as a merciful creator, rather than our inherent depravity. Steve sees, therefore, the bible starting with original goodness, “…and God said it was good,” and not original sin. This not only changes who we think God is, but also how we see ourselves in relation to God. 

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