I Poured My Fury Upon Them

Ezekiel 36:16-18 — Some may posit that the Bible could never be fully explained and understood in a single sermon. However, in Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermon on Ezekiel 36:16-18, he points out that two main themes can be drawn from this passage. The first, that we are all sinners. No man is perfect and all have sinned. The second, that God punishes sin. Dr Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that these two themes are interconnected and one cannot be taken without the other. Some insist that God is a completely loving entity who does not punish, when really, they know that God punishes sin. God can be both a jealous God and a God of love. Dr. Lloyd-Jones claims that, we will never understand this correlation, because if we claim that we can fully understand God, then we claim to be as intelligent as God. And that is simply impossible, for we are finite, and God is infinite. Put simply, Dr. Lloyd-Jones states, “God hates sin, God judges sin, God punishes sin” – These are facts. As shown in the passage when the Israelites were sinning, “[God] poured out [his] wrath upon them.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones even points to Adam and Eve’s banishment from the garden as a consequence for their sin. It is clear that God punishes sin. However, “Why does God punish sin?” If he is all powerful, why can’t he simply acquit all of humanity from their sinful deeds. To this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones replies that it is because God is a holy and just God. A just God cannot simply let sinners go consequence free, just as a judge cannot acquit a murderer simply because he has the power to. No, God could not simply forget our sins and welcome us into heaven. However, God loved us so much, that he gave us a lifeline that would appease the consequences of sin and uphold God’s justice. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this lifeline is Jesus Christ. And by his sacrifice, we may be accepted into heaven if we believe in him. We must only ask for God’s mercy, and he will receive us.