Theology Terms Explained: “Wrath”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced or synonymous terms.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
Wrath
(rath)
The Definition
Merriam-Webster: Wrath is “strong vengeful anger or indignation.”
FTG Expanded Definition: Wrath is the holy, righteous, and settled anger of God against sin and evil. Unlike sinful human anger, God’s wrath is never uncontrolled, selfish, or unjust. It is His perfect and necessary response to everything that opposes His holiness and righteousness. God’s wrath reveals that He is morally perfect and that He will not ignore rebellion, wickedness, or unbelief forever.
The Bible teaches that every person deserves God’s wrath because all humanity has sinned against Him. Yet the gospel reveals the incredible mercy of God: Jesus Christ bore the wrath sinners deserved by dying on the cross in their place. Because of Christ, those who repent and believe are forgiven, justified, and rescued from the coming judgment of God.
As R. C. Sproul once said, “The glory of the gospel is this: The one from whom we need to be saved is the one who has saved us.”
The Biblical Connection
The Bible repeatedly teaches that God’s wrath is directed against sin, unrighteousness, and unbelief.
Romans 1:18 – “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
John 3:36 – “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Ephesians 2:3 – “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh… and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9 – “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:9 – “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”
Used in an Everyday Conversation
“God’s wrath is His holy response to sin and evil.”
“Jesus absorbed the wrath sinners deserved on the cross.”
“The gospel is good news because Christ saves believers from the wrath of God.”
“Unlike sinful human anger, God’s wrath is always righteous and just.”
