God's indignation against sin is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His holiness, justice, and righteousness. Sin, defined as any action, thought, or attitude that goes against God's will and character, provokes divine wrath because it corrupts His creation and separates humanity from Him.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, God's indignation is often depicted through His interactions with the nation of Israel and other nations. The Hebrew word for indignation, "za'am," is frequently used to describe God's righteous anger. For instance, in Isaiah 30:27, the prophet declares, "Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, burning with His anger, and in dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire."

The account of the flood in Genesis 6-9 illustrates God's wrath against the pervasive wickedness of humanity. Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'"

Similarly, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 exemplifies God's judgment against sin. The cities were destroyed by "sulfur and fire from the LORD out of the heavens" (Genesis 19:24) due to their grievous sins.

The Law and Prophets

The Mosaic Law, given to Israel, underscores God's intolerance for sin and His demand for holiness. Leviticus 11:44 commands, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." The Law includes numerous statutes and sacrifices designed to atone for sin and maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The prophets frequently warned Israel of impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry. In Jeremiah 25:15-16 , God instructs the prophet, "Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. And they will drink and stagger and go out of their minds, because of the sword that I will send among them."

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, God's indignation against sin is further revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's wrath and mercy. Romans 1:18 states, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness."

Jesus' sacrificial death satisfies God's righteous anger against sin, offering redemption to those who believe. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus."

Eschatological Indignation

The New Testament also speaks of a future day of wrath, when God's indignation will be fully revealed against unrepentant sin. Revelation 19:15 describes Christ's return: "From His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty."

This eschatological perspective emphasizes the urgency of repentance and faith in Christ to escape the coming judgment. 2 Peter 3:9 reassures believers, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance."

Throughout Scripture, God's indignation against sin serves as a sobering reminder of His holiness and the serious consequences of sin, while also pointing to His provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.