Romans 11:22/ Seeing the Severity of God

"Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off."

The Greek word for "note" here means literally to "look." The New American Standard Bible translation says, "Behold then the kindness and severity of God …"

It's a command to see the fullness of God, that is—both his kindness and severity.

I think we do pretty well with seeing God's kindness. In fact, I'd argue that we are prone to exalt His kindness while ignoring His severity. I'm betting if you stopped 100 people on the street and asked them to describe Jesus not one person would say, "severe." Heck, I don't think of severity when I think of Jesus, at least not initially-- do you?

But here in Romans 11:22 we are commanded to "Behold the kindness and severity of God." And there's a lot riding on that command for those who take this passage seriously. By beholding we may "continue in his kindness …"so that we are not "cut off." So, seeing the kindness and severity of God is meant to help us along the path to eternal life in some way or another. But how exactly?

Paul was writing about Israel's unbelief just a few verses prior and he said this, "That is true. [The Israelites] were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear" (Romans 11:20). Paul says to the gentiles, or people who are not Jewish, "don't become proud in your faith, but rather fear God. If God cut off Israel for their unbelief, God can cut off you for your unbelief." Thus, we behold the kindness and severity of God.

The command to behold the kindness and severity of God is so that we "do not become proud, but fear." Seeing His kindness and His severity can serve us by way of shocking us into humble, reverent submission to God, which is our faith exhibited. After all, if we only hear about His grace and mercy and forgiveness, then what is our incentive to do what He commands? God's kindness is not a pass to continue on sinning, rather it's a call to repentance:

"What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!" Romans 6:15

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4

So, beware the teacher who kills you with God's kindness. Omitting the severity of God in teaching is deadly because seeing the severity of God in scripture induces humble, reverent obedience. And all of us need that to "continue in His kindness."

Remember, the Gospel is Good News partly because God's wrath toward us was satisfied. We not only gain heaven, we also evaded hell. Lest we forget the severity of God.

I pray this severity would humble us. I pray this would cause a reverent fear of God to well up within us. I pray God's kindness would lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4) and not indifference regarding sin (Romans 6:15).

We are best suited to "continue in His kindness" when we see both the kindness and severity of God. Do you see that?

If you want to dig deeper into this, need help, need prayer, or have questions—please reach out to us here: Roots Help & Prayer Form

Humbly,

Pastor Kevin

Corinn ElliffMarch 25, 2021