God’s wrath is a topic I’ve been more interested in exploring these last few months. A few months back I felt much closer to the idea that it didn’t seem fair or loving, but through this book and re-reading the pages in Systematic Theology about it, I was reminded of God’s justice and holiness, and everything fell back into place.
The quote that resonated most with me in this chapter was that “the fruit of our growing love for Him is the increase of reverence for His name.” I find my journey in faith, which is similar to a few others I know as well, is that we first knew God as a strict father who punished us if we sinned or did something wrong. As a child, this was how I understood it taught by my parents and church. After discovering the person of Jesus and opening my heart to relationship with Him in college, God became much more relatable and close, and over the years, as Lee mentioned, I began feeling comfortable. While God is certainly personal, it is not at the expense of His holiness. As I continue to mature in my faith, my reverence for His name continues to increase, and the personal aspects grow alongside my understanding and fear of His holiness.
