Use Your Bible . . . . . .
THE GOODNESS AND THE SEVERITY OF GOD "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." Romans 11:22
THE SEVERITY OF JESUS....
1. Recognizes no "middle ground." Matt.12:30 Rev.3:15-16
2. Places obedience before family ties. Matt.12:46-f. Matt.10:34-f
3. Quick to praise, rebuke Peter. Matt.16:16-19, 21-23.
4. Rebukes disciples for pride, wrong spirit. Matt.20:20- Lu.9:54-
5. "Ye are of your father the devil." Jn.8:39-47
6. Unfruitful branches will be burned. Jn.15:1-6 Matt.25:41-46
SACRIFICIAL LOVE AND FORGIVENESS.....
1. Freely gave His life for us. Jn.3:16 Rom.5:6-9 1 Jn.4:9-11
2. Not "eye for eye" but pray for enemy. Matt.5:38-48
3. Forgiveness, to know no bounds. Lu.17:1-5 Matt.18:15-f.
4. Prayed for those who crucified Him. Lu.23:33-34
The seeming contradiction of character is no more than that of the loving parent who is severe with the child, to promote its welfare. We are condemned by our own sins-- not because God wills it so. (2 Pet.3:9) The Saviour does everthing consistent with our free-agency to turn us from our sinful course, and bring us humbly and submissively to salvation.Matt.23:13-36 "Woe" to Jerusalem; then weeps. Vs.37-39.
Note the "love and warning" in Paul's letter to Galatians. Gal.4:16 "AM I THEREFORE BECOME YOUR ENEMY, BECAUSE I TELL YOU THE TRUTH?"