Because there is wrath.
The wrath of God
The language of the text may be spoken to every impenitent and unbelieving sinner of the human race.
I. The actual. “There is wrath.”
1. This wrath is Divine. By virtue of God’s perfection He is in the possession of an emotional nature, He has the attribute of wrath. Instead of this property being inconsistent with the other attributes of God, it is absolutely necessary to constitute Him morally perfect. This wrath is undoubtedly a great reality.
2. This wrath is merited. Sin merits wrath. Sin is the wrong act of a moral substance, a substance in the possession of free-will. In this act there are rebellion, robbery, and ingratitude. Hence sin merits the Divine indignation. Hence, wherever there is sin there is also suffering.
3. This wrath is impartial. It has been revealed from heaven against angels and against men, without respect of person. It has been revealed against every sinful act of every sinful being.
II. The probable. There may be destruction. “Beware lest He take thee away with His stroke.”
1. He hath power to do it.
2. He has threatened to do so.
3. Some who were as near saved as you have been lost.
III. The impossible. There cannot be deliverance. “Then a great ransom cannot deliver thee,” literally, “cannot turn thee aside.” Deliverance is impossible--
1. By a great ransom of material wealth. Though we could give mines of gems, oceans of pearls, worlds of gold and silver, yet such a ransom price could not deliver us.
2. By a great ransom of animal life.
3. By the ransom of the Highest, Christ Jesus. “Christ gave Himself a sacrifice for us.” (Homilist.)
Divine anger
1. There is “wrath” in the government of God.
2. This “wrath” may overtake the sinner any moment.
3. When it overtakes him in this way, he has no means of deliverance. (Homilist.)
Solemn warning
Whether these words were suited to the ease of Job or not, they are certainly applicable to all impenitent sinners, and contain--
I. An important assertion. “Because there is wrath.” From this declaration it is evident that it has been known from the earliest ages that God is displeased with sin, and has often revealed His anger against the ungodliness of men.
1. This assertion must be explained. The anger, hatred, and wrath of God are not impure passions in Him, as they are in man. All who violate the precepts of His law become obnoxious to its awful penalties, and justly incur the punitive wrath of the Divine Lawgiver (Romans 2:3-9).
2. This assertion must be confirmed. This is evident from the Scriptures, which assure us that the Lord is “angry with the wicked.”
II. An affectionate admonition.
1. The exercise of caution. “Beware!” Deeply consider your state and character before God--remember your awful responsibility, and the intimate connection which subsists between a state of mortal probation and eternal retribution (Galatians 6:7-8); be wise, and know the day of your visitation.
2. The pursuit of salvation. An apprehension of Divine wrath should induce a diligent use of the means appointed for our deliverance; this is the only way of being rescued from sin and ruin.
III. An impressive argument; “Lest He take thee away,” etc.
1. The sinner’s punishment is inevitable. “Lest He take thee away with His stroke.” Incorrigible impenitence leads to unavoidable ruin (Romans 6:21); sin will surely find us out, “for the wicked shall not go unpunished.” His stroke signifies a sudden calamity or awful judgment. Such was the deluge--the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah--the punishment of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram--the death of Herod, Ananias, and Sapphira, etc. (Genesis 7:1-24; Genesis 19:27; Numbers 16:31-33; Acts 5:1-10; Acts 12:20-23).
2. The sinner’s punishment is irremediable. “Then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.” To ransom is to deliver, either by price or by power. The present life is the only day of salvation. There is no Redeemer for the finally lost. They have nothing to offer for their ransom, nor can any possible price purchase, or power rescue them from interminable perdition. What, then, is our present state? (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)