Questions & Answers

Yes, it is accurate to say that God hates both the sinner and sin. God speaks this way in the Bible, so it is proper for us to express it that way. Please read the following passages to be reminded of this: Psalm 5:5, Isaiah 63:10, Jeremiah 12:8, and Hosea 9:15). When God speaks of his hatred of sin and sinners, he is speaking Law to us and others, to impress on us our sinfulness and need for a Savior. We are in desperate need of forgiveness and divine deliverance from eternal punishment -- and this is to be found only through Jesus Christ and God's amazing love. The reality of divine love for sinners is another truth to be trusted and cherished. This is the gospel, the message of good news for us and all sinners.

You ask how you may know that God doesn't hate you. You should not find your answer by denying your sin or questioning God's hatred of your sin and you as a sinner. Rather, find your answer in the gospel message of God, the happy and eternal word of pardon and love, and peace with God through Jesus Christ. Here you will find, as all Christians find, that the messages of law (sin) and gospel (grace) are opposites and irreconcilable in a sense. Both are true, but can be reconciled only at the foot of the cross of Christ. And -- here is the truth you need to hear -- the gospel message outweighs the law message and prevails in the heart of God and in our Christian hearts and lives. Sin may abound, but grace overflows all the more! Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. (See Romans 5:18-21, Romans 10:4)