Wrath and Repentance

“…eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek” – Romans 2:7-9

When Paul addressed both Jews and Gentiles in Romans 2:5–6, he didn’t flatter their status or cultural wisdom. Instead, he zeroed in on their hearts—specifically, their hardness and lack of repentance. His warning was clear: they were storing up wrath, not riches. But this isn’t wrath like human rage; Paul used the Greek word orge, meaning controlled, swelling anger—a righteous response of a patient and holy God against sin. It’s like water behind a dam: quiet, but gathering strength. And unless repentance breaks through, the release is inevitable.

So why such intensity about wrath? Because truth is being actively suppressed—whether in conscience, creation, or Scripture. Some ignore God’s revelation not because it’s hidden, but because it’s inconvenient. If our Gospel message only promises riches, comfort, and blessing, we miss the point. That kind of “man-centered Christianity” only adds confusion. Instead, we must do what Paul did—bring people face to face with their Maker. Wrath is not a scare tactic; it’s the doorway to understanding the need for repentance.

Consider Isaiah in chapter 6: a good, religious man, but still undone when he met God. He saw holiness and confessed unclean lips. That moment led to repentance, cleansing, and a commission. This is the result we’re after—not just attendance in a pew, but transformation by His presence. Wrath wakes us up; repentance heals us. That’s why John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, and Paul began with the same cry: “Repent!” Because before we can walk with God, we must first turn around to face Him. That turn is where grace begins.

“The wrath of God does not portray a deity who ‘flies off the handle’ and indiscriminately thumps anybody who happens to be at hand. God’s wrath is perfect as to its quality and its object. That is the general concept we must keep in mind…” – R. Kent Hughes