The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-X, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 26."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1983. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

I’m looking at Psalm 145, and verse 17. It says there, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.” Okay, then in verse 20, it says, “The wicked, He will destroy.” Does this mean that the destruction of the wicked is an act of kindness?

John MacArthur's Answer

It means that the destruction of the wicked, which is an act of God’s wrath, is in perfect harmony and perfect balance with His kindness. When you have any discussion of the attributes of God, it doesn’t mean that all the attributes are co-mingled. It does mean that they’re in perfect balance with each other. I don’t know how else to explain it. You might even be so brash as to say, it’s very kind to send them to Hell because that’s where they choose to go, since they don’t choose God. Why sentence them to an eternity with one they have no desire to be with? You know, there is a certain kindness even in that. But, I think that’s pushing the point. Read Nahum 1, it’s the same thing. He talks about the Lord being furious and so forth, then, z-z-z-t slows down, and He’s slow to anger, and He’s gentle. And, you ask yourself, well, how is this so? Well, those attributes, while not co-mingled, are in perfect balance. Perfect balance. God never does anything unkind, unloving, unwise. But, at the same time, He judges men. So, if, in fact, He sends men to Hell, it’s still consistent with His kindness because His kindness has to be consistent with His holiness, and His holiness, therefore, is manifest in His justice. So, they’re all connected, but not co-mingled. Does that help? Again, it’s mystery. Anytime you start talking about God’s character, that’s the best we can do with it. All right?

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
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