By Katie Altobellis

I am no theologian but I address things the best way I know how—

When is the last time you went to church and heard a sermon that addressed the subject of wrath and were told it was an attribute of God?  Naturally, no one likes to hear “fire and brimstone” lectures coming down from the pulpit, but if one denies wrath is not an expression of God’s displeasure with man, then they are simply reinventing the Gospel to accommodate and make it into only those things that make them feel comfortable.

Many who worship God incorporate the singing of hymns and recently, the Presbyterian Church (USA) started theological debates among the masses due to their challenging the words of the song, “In Christ Alone.”  They have dropped this hymn from their repertoire because the song’s authors refused to change a line in the song. 

One of the song’s lyrics say, “on that cross, as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.”  The song committee of this church wanted the line addressing God’s wrath to be changed to, “the love of God was magnified.”   Some think by removing the word “wrath” the church is burying its head in the sand by refuting the truth of the Gospel. Others think the church made the right move wanting the line removed because they feel like the wrong impression is given. They say the song implies God took His wrath out on Jesus and in turn killed Him.  Where do people come up with this stuff?

Why are we always trying to redesign the Gospel so that nothing in it sounds offensive?  And it is mans’ offenses that make it that way anyway because there is nothing offensive in God at all. There is instance after instance of God’s chosen people and pagans alike having to drink of God’s cup of wrath because of their insistent and consistent love affair with sin. 

Hebrews 12:5-6—“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”