Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 32:35

"To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste."

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 10:31, Romans 2:5-6, Revelation 20:11-15, Psalm 7:11, John 3:36

INTRODUCTION

The message of God's love is often emphasized in Christian teachings, and rightly so, for God is love (1 John 4:8). However, many people forget that God is also a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). His justice demands that sin must be punished, and His wrath is poured out on the unrepentant. The phrase "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" was popularized by the 18th-century preacher Jonathan Edwards in a sermon that vividly described the impending judgment awaiting those who reject Christ.

Many people live as though they are in control of their destinies, ignoring the reality that without God’s mercy, they are walking on the edge of eternal destruction. The Bible warns that God's wrath is real and that He will judge every unrepentant sinner. Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The unrepentant are like a person walking over a pit of fire, held up only by the thin thread of God’s patience.

This sermon will explain the reasons why sinners are in danger, the consequences of falling into God's wrath, and the urgent need for repentance. May the Holy Spirit convict every heart to turn to God before it is too late.

1. WHY GOD IS ANGRY WITH SINNERS

a) Sin is an Affront to God's Holiness (Habakkuk 1:13)

God is pure and cannot tolerate sin. Every act of disobedience provokes His righteous anger.

b) Unrepentant Hearts Store Up Wrath (Romans 2:5)

Sinners who reject God's call to repentance are accumulating divine judgment against themselves.

c) God’s Patience Will Not Last Forever (Genesis 6:3)

God gives sinners time to repent, but when they refuse, judgment inevitably comes.

d) Sin Separates Man from God (Isaiah 59:2)

The relationship between God and man is broken by sin, leading to eternal separation in hell.

e) Biblical Example: The Generation of Noah (Genesis 6:5-7)

The people of Noah’s time were given ample warning, but they ignored it and perished in the flood.

2. THE DANGER OF FALLING INTO GOD’S HANDS

a) God's Wrath is Terrible (Revelation 14:10-11)

The judgment of God is severe, and those who face it will suffer unimaginable torment.

b) There is No Escape After Death (Hebrews 9:27)

Once a person dies, there is no second chance for repentance. Judgment follows immediately.

c) Eternal Separation from God (Matthew 25:41)

Hell is a place of everlasting separation from God's presence, filled with pain and regret.

d) God’s Judgment is Final (Revelation 20:15)

There will be no appeal or reconsideration when God casts sinners into the lake of fire.

e) Biblical Example: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

The rich man ignored God's warnings, and in death, he found himself in torment without escape.

3. GOD’S MERCY: THE WAY OF ESCAPE

a) Jesus Took God’s Wrath for Us (Isaiah 53:5-6)

Christ bore our punishment so that we could receive mercy and avoid God's wrath.

b) Repentance Opens the Door to Mercy (Acts 3:19)

God is willing to forgive those who turn away from their sins and seek Him.

c) God's Love Calls Sinners to Salvation (John 3:16)

Despite His anger against sin, God offers a way out through faith in Jesus Christ.

d) The Blood of Jesus Cleanses from Sin (1 John 1:7-9)

Through confession and faith, sinners can be washed and made new.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

Though he strayed, he repented and was welcomed back by the father, illustrating God's mercy.

4. THE URGENCY OF REPENTANCE

a) Death is Unpredictable (James 4:14)

No one knows when they will die, so delaying repentance is dangerous.

b) The Rapture Will Take Many Unawares (Matthew 24:36-44)

Many will be caught unprepared when Jesus returns, and they will face judgment.

c) The Devil Deceives People into Procrastination (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Satan convinces sinners that they have more time, but today is the day of salvation.

d) Hardened Hearts May Never Repent (Hebrews 3:13-15)

Repeatedly rejecting God’s call can lead to a seared conscience, making repentance unlikely.

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)

Instead of repenting, Judas allowed guilt to drive him to destruction.

5. THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S JUDGMENT

a) God’s Justice Cannot Be Denied (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

Every action will be brought into judgment, whether good or evil.

b) The Books Will Be Opened (Revelation 20:12)

On judgment day, every person's deeds will be revealed before God.

c) Every Knee Shall Bow (Philippians 2:10-11)