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A Holy God Who Kills Book

Book 4 - in the “God’s Truth” Series

A Holy God Who Kills

How a Good & Holy God Could Murder So Many In The Old Testament & Why It Happened

By Mr. Elijah J Stone
and the Team Success Network

Table of Contents

PART 1: Judgment and Holiness – Understanding Why God Killed in the Old Testament 1

CHAPTER 1 - The God Who Is Holy: Why His Nature Demands Justice.... 1

CHAPTER 2 - The Flood: A World Drowned in Sin and Mercy.................. 1

CHAPTER 3 - Egypt’s Plagues: Judgment on False Gods and a Rescue for Israel 1

CHAPTER 4 - Canaan’s Conquest: Clearing the Land for a Covenant People 1

CHAPTER 5 - When Israel Fell: God’s Judgment on His Own Chosen Nation 1

CHAPTER 6 - The Problem of Sin: Why God Cannot Overlook Evil........... 1

CHAPTER 7 - The Mercy Within the Wrath: God’s Warnings and Second Chances 1

CHAPTER 8 - From Blood to Cross: How Old Testament Judgment Points to Jesus 1

CHAPTER 9 - The God Who Kills and Saves: Understanding the Paradox

......................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER 10 - Knowing Him Truly: Reverence, Fear, and Love for a Holy God 1

CHAPTER 11 – The Jesus Prayer: “Jesus Christ, Have Mercy On Me, A Sinner” 1

PART 2: Mercy, Repentance, & Sin ..................................................... 1

CHAPTER 12 – Mercy That Triumphs Over Judgment............................. 1

CHAPTER 13 – Repentance: The Only Right Response to Holiness.......... 1

CHAPTER 14 – The Cross and the Gift of Forgiveness............................. 1

CHAPTER 15 – Breaking Free from Sin’s Power...................................... 1

CHAPTER 16 – Living in Mercy, Walking in Holiness............................... 1

Part 1 - Judgment and Holiness – Understanding Why God Killed in the Old Testament

From the flood to the fall of Israel, the Old Testament confronts us with a holy God who brings judgment through death. These stories can feel unsettling, even offensive, if we only view them through human eyes. Yet they are essential, because they reveal the seriousness of sin and the purity of God’s character.

When God judged nations, cities, and even His own people, He was not acting cruelly—He was acting consistently with His holiness. His standard does not change, and His justice does not bend. What He condemned in one nation, He condemned in all.

At the same time, judgment was never without warning. Prophets called people to repent, signs were given, and mercy was offered before wrath fell. The deaths recorded in Scripture remind us that sin always leads to destruction.

These accounts invite us to see God as He truly is: holy, just, and uncompromising in His character. The God who killed in judgment is the same God who remains good. His holiness demands that sin be addressed, and His actions in the Old Testament show us that He will never tolerate rebellion against His will.

Chapter 1 – The God Who Is Holy: Why His Nature Demands Justice

The Holiness of God Cannot Be Separated from His Justice

Why God’s Judgments, Even Taking Life, Are Expressions of His Pure Goodness

The Starting Point: God’s Holiness

If we want to understand why God killed people in the Old Testament, we must begin here: God is holy. Holiness means He is utterly pure, perfect, and separate from all evil. Unlike us, He cannot be corrupted, bribed, or influenced by sin. He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

This holiness is not just a characteristic of God—it is His very nature. Everything He does flows out of His holiness. His mercy is holy. His love is holy. And yes, His justice is holy. To see Him truly, we must not divide His holiness from His actions, even when those actions include judgment or death.

Why God Cannot Overlook Sin

A holy God cannot ignore sin. To do so would be to deny His own nature. If a judge in our world let murderers and thieves walk free without consequence, we would call that judge corrupt. Why would we expect God, the ultimate Judge, to do less?

Scripture makes this plain: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Sin always leads to death. Sometimes that death plays out over time, but in the Old Testament, God often brought His judgment quickly and decisively. It shocks us—but it also shows His justice is never empty words.

When God’s Judgments Shock Us

Let’s be honest: when we read about God killing people in the Old Testament—the flood, the plagues, the conquest of Canaan—it can feel brutal. How can a God of love take so many lives? How can He be called good when His actions seem violent?

These are real questions, and they deserve real answers. The answer is this: God’s holiness and goodness are not in tension. His judgments are not contradictions of His character—they are expressions of it. If God ignored sin, He would no longer be good. If He allowed evil to reign unchecked, He would no longer be loving.

Scripture’s Witness to Holiness and Judgment

The Bible ties holiness and justice together again and again.

• “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3). His holiness fills everything.
• “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face” (Psalm 11:7). His justice is part of His love.
• “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” (Psalm 89:14). Justice and love are inseparable.
• “For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). His holiness burns against sin.
• “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household” (1 Peter 4:17). Even His own people are not exempt.

Each of these scriptures reminds us: God’s holiness means He cannot ignore sin. His justice is not cruelty—it is consistency.

Why Taking Life Does Not Make God Evil

Here is where the tension lies. If humans take life unjustly, it is murder. But when God takes life, it is not murder—it is judgment. Why? Because He is the Creator and the Giver of life. He alone has the authority to give life and the authority to take it away.

Job recognized this when he said: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). When God takes life, it is never arbitrary or reckless. It is always rooted in His perfect knowledge, His perfect justice, and His perfect plan.

Examples from the Old Testament

Let’s consider three moments where God’s holiness led to judgment that took lives:

The Flood (Genesis 6–9): Humanity’s violence and corruption filled the earth. God wiped it clean, yet spared Noah, preserving life for a new beginning.
Egypt’s Plagues (Exodus 7–12): God struck down Egypt’s gods and oppressors, freeing His people from slavery. The death of the firstborn was the final blow, showing His authority over life itself.
Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10): Aaron’s sons offered unauthorized fire before the Lord. They died instantly, and God explained: “Among those who approach me I will be proved holy” (Lev. 10:3).

In each case, God’s action was both judgment and mercy. He removed evil, but He also created space for new life, freedom, or deeper reverence.

The Problem Is Sin, Not God

It is tempting to accuse God when we see judgment. But the true problem is sin. Sin is the cancer. Judgment is the surgery. A surgeon cutting into a body may look violent, but the purpose is to save. God’s actions against sin are no different.

Sin destroys everything it touches—marriages, families, nations, and souls. God’s holiness demands that He confront it. To refuse would make Him an accomplice to evil. Instead, He cuts it out to save what can still live.

The Holiness That Saves as Well as Judges

Here is the paradox: the same holiness that judges also saves. God does not only destroy—He preserves, redeems, and restores. His wrath and His mercy are not opposites but partners.

This is why the Old Testament judgments always leave a remnant. Noah and his family after the flood. Israel freed after Egypt’s plagues. Joshua leading Israel after Canaan’s conquest. Even in judgment, God is writing a story of redemption. His holiness is relentless—but it is also relentlessly good.

Why Reverence Matters Today

Many modern Christians want a God of love without a God of justice. We want comfort without confrontation. But the Bible refuses to separate these. A God who loves must also judge evil. A God who is holy must also demand justice.

This should lead us not to fear God as a tyrant but to reverence Him as holy. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). When we understand His holiness, we approach Him with humility, awe, and love.

Call-to-Action Summary

• God is holy, and His holiness demands justice.
• When He takes life in the Old Testament, it is not murder but judgment.
• His actions reveal the seriousness of sin, not cruelty in His heart.
• Holiness means He must confront evil—but He always preserves a remnant.
• The cross of Jesus is the ultimate answer to every Old Testament judgment.

Key Truth: The God who judges is the God who saves.

So let me ask you—do you see His holiness clearly? Do you treat sin with the seriousness He does? Do you approach Him with reverence, or with casual indifference?

The first step to truly knowing God is to recognize His holiness. Until we do, His judgments will seem cruel. Once we do, we see they are not only just—they are good.

Chapter 2 – The Flood: A World Drowned in Sin and Mercy

When God Judges the Whole Earth, His Holiness Is on Display

How the Death of Many Still Shows the Goodness of a Holy God

A Story That Shocks Us

The flood is one of the most well-known and troubling stories in the Bible. God looked at the world, saw its corruption, and decided to wipe it clean through a catastrophic flood. Every living thing that breathed air—except those on Noah’s ark—was destroyed.

For many, this raises the deepest question: How can a God of love kill so many? If we avoid this story, we miss one of the most important truths about God’s holiness. His judgment is not an accident of history—it is a revelation of His nature.

Why the World Was Drowned

The Bible tells us the reason for the flood: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). Evil had reached its tipping point. Humanity was not simply stumbling; it was entirely devoted to sin.

God’s response was not rash. It was measured. For 120 years, while Noah built the ark, God gave time for people to repent. But they did not. His holiness demanded action. To ignore such evil would have been to side with it.

The Holiness of Judgment

God’s holiness is like fire—it purifies, but it also consumes what is impure. In the flood, His holiness swept across the earth, destroying sin’s spread. This was not “murder” as we think of it, because God is not like us. He is the Creator, and as the Giver of life, He alone has the authority to take it away.

Job understood this truth: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). When God takes life, He does so from a place of perfect knowledge and holy justice. His actions are never corrupt, never unjust, and never motivated by evil.

The Goodness Hidden in the Wrath

We often stop at the destruction and miss the mercy woven into the flood. God preserved Noah, his family, and pairs of animals. He did not erase humanity completely but gave the world a new beginning. Even judgment was paired with salvation.

And after the flood, God made a covenant: “Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth” (Genesis 9:11). The rainbow became a sign of His mercy. His holiness demanded judgment, but His goodness provided a promise.

Why God Had the Right to Act

This is where many wrestle. “If God kills, how is that different from human murder?” The answer lies in authority. Humans are created—we do not own life. God is the Creator—He owns life. He is not bound by the same moral limitations as us.

When humans kill, it is sin because they are taking what they did not give. When God takes life, it is justice, because He is taking what He gave. Life is His gift, and He has the right to give and the right to take away.

Scripture’s Witness to the Flood

The flood is remembered throughout Scripture, not as a blemish on God’s record, but as a warning and lesson.

• “By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed” (2 Peter 3:6).
• “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family” (Hebrews 11:7).
• “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37).
• “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1).
• “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice” (Psalm 11:7).

The flood stands not as a contradiction of God’s goodness, but as an example of His justice and mercy in action.

The Flood and Our World Today

If we read the flood story only as ancient history, we miss its urgency. Jesus warned that just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be before His return. People will live as if nothing is wrong, ignoring God’s warnings—until sudden judgment comes.

This means the flood is not just about the past; it is about the present and the future. God’s holiness still demands justice. The flood is a preview of what happens when humanity rejects Him completely.

Lessons from Noah’s Faith

Noah is the other half of this story. While the world mocked, he obeyed. His faith saved him and his family. “By faith Noah… condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

Noah’s example shows us how to respond when God warns of judgment. We cannot stop others from ignoring God, but we can choose to obey Him ourselves. Noah’s ark was a picture of Christ—the only place of safety when judgment falls.

God’s Justice and Mercy Side by Side

The flood teaches us that God’s justice and mercy always work together.

Justice: Sin was confronted, and evil was stopped.
Mercy: Humanity was preserved through Noah.
Promise: God gave a covenant never to destroy the earth by flood again.
Warning: A greater judgment is still coming, and we must be ready.

God is not one-dimensional. His holiness demands justice, but His goodness always provides a way of escape for those who trust Him.

Why the Flood Shows God’s Goodness, Not Cruelty

From a human perspective, the flood looks like mass death. But from God’s perspective, it was the preservation of goodness against total corruption. If He had done nothing, sin would have consumed everything, leaving no room for redemption.

This is why God can kill in the Old Testament and still be purely good. His actions were not motivated by hate but by holiness. His judgment was necessary, and His mercy was present. The flood was both a cleansing and a new beginning.

Reflection for Us Today

So, what does this mean for us?

• We cannot ignore sin—it destroys everything it touches.
• We must see God’s holiness as both terrifying and beautiful.
• We must take His warnings seriously, not casually.
• We must cling to Christ, our ark of safety in the coming judgment.

The flood shows us that God does not play games with sin. But it also shows us that He provides salvation for those who trust Him.

Call-to-Action Summary

God judged the world by flood because sin had reached its limit.
He destroyed, but He also preserved, showing both wrath and mercy.
His authority as Creator means He alone can give and take life.
The flood points us to Christ, the true ark of salvation.
We must live in reverence, ready for His return.

Key Truth: The God who drowned the world is the same God who opened the ark.

So let me ask you: are you inside the ark, or still outside? Do you see His judgment as cruelty, or as holiness? Do you recognize that the same God who killed in the flood is the God who saves through the cross?

The flood was not just about death. It was about life—the life God preserved then, and the eternal life He offers now.

Chapter 3 – Egypt’s Plagues: Judgment on False Gods and a Rescue for Israel

How God’s Judgments on Egypt Show His Power and Holiness

Why the Deaths in the Plagues Reveal Both Justice and Mercy

A Story of Power and Fear

The story of the plagues in Egypt is one of the most dramatic in Scripture. Pharaoh enslaved God’s people, hardened his heart against their cries, and refused to release them. God responded by sending ten devastating plagues that shook the most powerful nation on earth.

By the end, Egypt’s firstborn sons lay dead, Pharaoh’s army was destroyed, and Israel walked free. For many readers, this raises the same uncomfortable question we’ve been asking: How can a good God kill? The answer is found in His holiness, His justice, and His mercy woven together.

Why the Plagues Were Necessary

The plagues were not random acts of cruelty. Each one was carefully chosen by God to expose the false gods of Egypt. The Nile, the animals, the sun—every aspect of Egyptian life they worshiped was struck by God’s power.

The Egyptians had enslaved Israel for centuries, crushing them under oppression. God’s holiness could not allow this injustice to continue. His judgment was necessary to break Pharaoh’s pride and to show the world that He alone is Lord.

God’s Authority Over Life and Death

The final plague was the death of every firstborn in Egypt. This is perhaps the hardest to understand. Why would God strike down children? How can this be good?

Here is the truth: Pharaoh had already shed innocent blood. He had ordered Israel’s baby boys to be drowned in the Nile (Exodus 1:22). God’s judgment mirrored Egypt’s own cruelty, showing that He sees and repays injustice. Life belongs to Him alone. When He takes it, He does so as the righteous Judge—not as a murderer.

Scripture’s Witness to the Plagues

The Bible explains the plagues not as random punishment, but as holy acts of judgment and revelation.

• “I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord” (Exodus 12:12).
• “The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands” (Psalm 9:16).
• “Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the Lord” (Numbers 33:4).
• “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you” (Exodus 9:16).
• “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice” (Psalm 11:7).

Every verse confirms: the plagues were about more than punishing Pharaoh. They revealed God’s holiness, exposed false gods, and delivered His people.

The Mercy Within the Wrath

Even in judgment, God showed mercy. He spared the land of Goshen, where His people lived, protecting them from most of the plagues. He gave Pharaoh chance after chance to repent and release Israel. Each plague was a warning, not just a punishment.

When the final plague came, God also provided a way of escape. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts marked each Israelite home, so the angel of death would “pass over.” This became the first Passover, pointing forward to the blood of Christ.

Why the Death of the Firstborn Matters

The death of the firstborn is one of the hardest events in the Old Testament. But we must see it in light of God’s holiness. Pharaoh had hardened his heart repeatedly. Egypt had enslaved, abused, and killed God’s people for generations.

God’s holiness demanded justice. The firstborn represented the strength and future of Egypt. By striking them down, God was showing that no power, no dynasty, no human pride could stand against Him. The judgment was devastating, but it revealed His authority and His goodness in rescuing His oppressed people.

How God’s Killing Is Different from Human Killing

Here again, we confront the idea: how can God kill and still be good? The answer lies in His nature. When humans kill, it is almost always selfish, unjust, or born of anger. When God kills, it is never impulsive. It is always measured, just, and holy.

We must never confuse God’s judgment with human cruelty. God does not take life because He delights in destruction. He takes life because He is holy, and holiness cannot allow evil to go unchecked. What seems harsh to us is the only truly just response.

The Plagues as a Picture of Christ

The plagues, especially the death of the firstborn, point forward to the cross. Just as Israel was spared through the blood of the lamb, we are spared through the blood of Christ. Jesus became the Firstborn who died so that all who believe might live.

This means God’s judgment in Egypt was not random—it was prophetic. It prepared the way for the greater salvation to come. The God who killed Egypt’s firstborn is the same God who gave His own Firstborn, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world.

Lessons for Us Today

What do the plagues teach us?

God hates oppression. He hears the cries of the afflicted and acts in justice.
God exposes false gods. Everything Egypt trusted was shown powerless before Him.
God gives warnings. Each plague gave Pharaoh a chance to repent.
God provides a way of salvation. The Passover lamb pointed to Jesus, the true Lamb of God.
God’s holiness is not to be mocked. His judgments reveal that He alone is Lord.

These truths are just as relevant today as they were in Egypt.

Why This Matters for Our View of God

If we skip past the plagues, we end up with a shallow view of God. We imagine a God of love who never confronts evil. But the plagues force us to see the whole picture: God’s love demands justice. His holiness requires judgment.

The God who killed Egypt’s firstborn is the same God who offers eternal life through Christ. His justice and His mercy are not at war—they are in perfect harmony. To reject His justice is to miss the depth of His love.

Call-to-Action Summary

The plagues revealed God’s holiness and power over false gods.
The death of Egypt’s firstborn was not murder but holy judgment.
God’s killing is always just, never cruel, because He is the Creator.
The Passover showed mercy in the midst of wrath, pointing to Christ.
We must take His holiness seriously and trust fully in the blood of the Lamb.

Key Truth: The God who struck Egypt’s firstborn is the God who gave His own Son for us.

So let me ask you—are you hardened like Pharaoh, or covered by the blood like Israel? Do you see God’s judgments as cruelty, or as holiness? Will you tremble before His justice and rejoice in His mercy?

The plagues show us both the terror of God’s holiness and the beauty of His salvation. The choice is ours: judgment outside the blood, or mercy under it.

Chapter 4 – Canaan’s Conquest: Clearing the Land for a Covenant People

Why God Ordered the Destruction of Nations in Canaan

How the God Who Takes Life Still Remains Holy, Just, and Good

The Hardest Question Yet

Of all the Old Testament accounts, the conquest of Canaan raises perhaps the hardest questions. God commanded Israel to drive out, and at times completely destroy, the nations inhabiting the land. Cities like Jericho and Ai fell under God’s judgment. Men, women, and children died.

At first glance, it looks like ethnic cleansing or even genocide. How can a holy God command such a thing? This is where many people stumble. But when we look deeper, we see that God’s holiness, justice, and goodness are all at work—even here.

Why God Judged Canaan

The nations in Canaan were not innocent victims. For generations, they practiced idolatry, violence, and sexual immorality. Worst of all, they sacrificed their children in fire to false gods like Molech (Leviticus 18:21).

God had warned them and given them centuries to repent. In Genesis 15:16, He told Abraham that his descendants would not return for four generations “for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” When judgment came, it was not sudden or unfair. It was the culmination of centuries of patience.

The Holiness Behind the Command

God’s command to Israel was not about hatred of certain people groups. It was about His holiness and the protection of His covenant. If Israel allowed Canaan’s practices to remain, they would be corrupted. And history shows that when Israel disobeyed, they fell into idolatry again and again.

The conquest was God’s way of establishing a holy people in a holy land, separated for His purposes. His holiness demanded that sin not be tolerated. What looked like harsh judgment was actually an act of preservation for Israel’s future and for God’s plan of redemption.

Scripture’s Witness to Canaan’s Conquest

The Bible is clear that the conquest was God’s judgment, not Israel’s cruelty.

• “Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled” (Leviticus 18:24).
• “It is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land… it is on account of the wickedness of these nations” (Deuteronomy 9:6).
• “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little” (Deuteronomy 7:22).
• “They did not drive out the people as the Lord had commanded” (Judges 1:28).
• “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psalm 89:14).

Each verse shows: this was not ethnic hatred, but divine judgment rooted in holiness and justice.

The Mercy Hidden in the Judgment

Even in the conquest, God’s mercy shines through. Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, was spared because of her faith (Joshua 2). The Gibeonites sought peace and were spared (Joshua 9). Anyone who turned to the Lord could find mercy.

God’s goal was never destruction for destruction’s sake. His holiness demanded judgment, but His goodness always left the door open for repentance. Those who humbled themselves found life, even in the midst of war.

Why God Could Kill and Still Be Good

Here again we face the central tension: how can God command the death of entire groups and still be good? The answer is that His holiness makes His judgments pure, while our perspective is limited.

God gave life in the first place. He has the right to take it.
God judged sin, not ethnicity. The nations were destroyed because of their wickedness, not their identity.
God was protecting the future. If Canaan’s evil practices spread, Israel’s covenant and the coming of Christ would be destroyed.
God always offered mercy. Even in judgment, those who repented could be saved.

This is why God can kill in the Old Testament and still remain completely holy and purely good.

A Different Kind of War

The conquest of Canaan was not like human wars. Israel was not fighting for land out of greed. They were following God’s specific command at a specific time for a specific purpose.

Later, when Israel tried to fight battles without God’s direction, they failed. This shows that the conquest was God’s work, not human ambition. His holiness directed it, and His justice carried it out.

Parallels to Christ

The conquest points forward to a greater reality. Just as Israel entered a promised land, we are called to enter eternal life through Christ. Just as the nations of Canaan were judged, so sin itself will one day be destroyed completely.

The cross is the ultimate conquest. Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan. The destruction of Canaan reminds us that God will not allow evil to remain forever. In Christ, His holiness and goodness bring final victory.

Lessons for Us Today

The conquest teaches us truths that still matter:

• Sin is not a small thing—it corrupts entire nations.
• God’s patience is real, but judgment eventually comes.
• Holiness requires separation from what is evil.
• God protects His people for His greater plan of redemption.
• Mercy is always available for those who repent.

These lessons help us understand God’s character and prepare us for how He still works today.

Why the Conquest Shows God’s Goodness

To human eyes, the conquest looks harsh. But if we step back, we see God’s goodness. He gave the Canaanites centuries to repent. He offered mercy to any who turned to Him. He preserved Israel so the Savior could come.

Without the conquest, the covenant could not have survived. Without the covenant, Christ would not have come. And without Christ, the world would have no hope. God’s killing in Canaan was not cruelty—it was the holiness of a God who sees the big picture and works for ultimate redemption.

Call-to-Action Summary

The conquest of Canaan was judgment on sin, not cruelty against people groups.
God commanded it to protect Israel’s covenant and His redemptive plan.
His holiness demanded the removal of entrenched evil.
Mercy was always available to those who repented.
The conquest points us to Christ, who brings ultimate victory over sin.

Key Truth: The God who commanded Canaan’s conquest is the God who gave His Son to conquer sin.

So let me ask you—will you stumble over God’s holiness, or will you bow before it? Will you accuse Him of cruelty, or trust His goodness even when His ways are hard? Will you enter His covenant fully, knowing that He alone is holy and just?

The conquest of Canaan was not the end of the story. It was a step toward the cross, where holiness and mercy meet forever.

Chapter 5 – When Israel Fell: God’s Judgment on His Own Chosen Nation

Why God Did Not Spare His People When They Turned to Sin

How God’s Judgment on Israel Reveals His Holiness, Justice, and Goodness

A Sobering Reality

Up to this point, we’ve seen God judge the world in the flood, Egypt through the plagues, and Canaan through conquest. But perhaps the most sobering truth of all is this: God did not even spare His own chosen people, Israel, when they fell into sin.

Israel was God’s covenant nation, set apart to be a light to the world. Yet when they turned to idols, practiced injustice, and broke His commands, God allowed enemies to invade, cities to burn, and thousands to die. If God’s holiness required Him to judge the nations, it required Him to judge Israel too.

The Consistency of God’s Holiness

God is not a respecter of persons. His holiness demands the same standard for everyone. What He condemned in Egypt or Canaan, He also condemned in Israel.

This is why He spoke through the prophets with such urgency. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah all warned that judgment was coming if Israel refused to repent. God’s holiness is consistent—He cannot ignore sin in anyone, even His chosen people. “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household” (1 Peter 4:17).

Scripture’s Witness to Israel’s Judgment

The Bible records many times when Israel fell under God’s judgment:

• “Because of the sins of Manasseh… I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down” (2 Kings 21:13).
• “They mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused… and there was no remedy” (2 Chronicles 36:16).
• “Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left” (2 Kings 17:18).
• “How the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her—but now murderers!” (Isaiah 1:21).
• “Our fathers sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment” (Lamentations 5:7).

Every verse reminds us: God’s holiness is impartial. If sin is present, judgment will come—even for His own people.

Why God Allowed His People to Be Killed

This is where the question cuts deep: How could God let His own people be killed? How could He command enemies to invade, destroy, and kill in His name?

The answer is the same as before: His holiness demands justice. Israel had become no different from the nations around them. They practiced idolatry, sacrificed children, and rejected His covenant. To ignore this would have been to compromise His holiness.

When God allowed destruction to fall on Israel, it was not cruelty. It was consistency. He was showing that sin is never excused—not even in those closest to Him.

The Mercy Within the Judgment

Even as He judged Israel, God’s mercy never disappeared. He always preserved a remnant. In the exile, He spared Daniel, Ezekiel, Esther, Nehemiah, and others who carried His covenant forward. His judgment was never total annihilation.

Through the prophets, He promised restoration: “Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you” (Jeremiah 30:11). Judgment purified Israel, but mercy preserved them for His greater plan.

How This Shows God’s Goodness

To human eyes, God allowing His own people to be killed looks cruel. But in truth, it was an act of goodness. If He ignored Israel’s sin, they would have continued down a path of corruption and self-destruction. His judgment cut away the cancer before it spread too far.

And in the long run, His discipline preserved Israel’s role in bringing Christ into the world. The exile humbled them, turned them from idols, and prepared them for the coming Messiah. God’s holiness did not destroy His plan—it protected it.

Examples of God’s Judgment on Israel

Consider three examples:

The Wilderness Generation: Because of unbelief, an entire generation died in the desert (Numbers 14). God’s holiness demanded faith, and they refused to trust Him.
The Fall of Samaria: Israel’s northern kingdom was conquered by Assyria for idolatry (2 Kings 17). Their sin brought destruction, but a remnant remained.
The Fall of Jerusalem: Judah was destroyed by Babylon, the temple burned, and thousands killed or exiled (2 Chronicles 36). Yet even then, God promised restoration after seventy years.

Each judgment was severe, but each revealed His holiness and His commitment to justice.

Why God’s Killing Is Not Human Murder

Here again, we must remember: when God allows or commands death, it is not murder. Murder is the unlawful taking of life. But God is the Author of life. He alone has the authority to give and to take away.

What looks like murder to us is, in truth, holy justice. God does not act in selfish anger or cruelty. His judgments are righteous, measured, and always aimed at redemption. This is why He can kill and still remain good.

The Paradox of God’s Judgment on His People

There is a paradox here: the God who chose Israel also judged Israel. The God who saved them from Egypt also sent them into exile. At first glance, it looks contradictory. But in reality, it is consistent with His holiness.

God’s holiness will not compromise—even for His own. His love does not eliminate His justice; it fulfills it. By judging His people, He proved that His holiness is universal and His goodness unchanging.

The Cross Foreshadowed

Israel’s judgment foreshadowed the cross. Just as Israel bore the consequences of their sin, Jesus bore the consequences of ours. He was the true Israelite who took on the punishment we deserved.

God’s judgment on Israel points us to the greater judgment that fell on Christ. The exile was temporary, but the cross was final. In Jesus, we see the same holy God who judged sin in the Old Testament, but we also see the same good God who provides salvation in the New.

Lessons for Us Today

Israel’s story carries vital lessons:

• Sin will be judged, even in God’s people.
• God’s holiness is impartial. His standards never change.
• Judgment is not the end. Mercy always remains.
• Discipline purifies. God uses judgment to turn hearts back to Him.
• Christ is our only hope. The cross is the fulfillment of every Old Testament judgment.

These truths remind us that God’s holiness is not something to take lightly. It demands reverence, obedience, and trust.

Why This Matters for Our View of God

If we only see God as love without judgment, we misunderstand Him. If we only see Him as wrath without mercy, we misunderstand Him. The truth is both. His holiness means He kills when judgment is necessary, but His goodness means He always preserves life for redemption.

Israel’s judgment shows us that God is not partial. He is holy. He is good. He is consistent. And He is worthy of our worship.

Call-to-Action Summary

God judged Israel just as He judged the nations.
His holiness demands consistency; sin cannot be ignored anywhere.
His mercy preserved a remnant and pointed forward to Christ.
God’s killing is not murder but holy justice.
Israel’s judgment reminds us that His holiness and goodness are inseparable.

Key Truth: The God who judged His own people is the God who gave His Son to save all people.

So let me ask you—do you treat sin lightly because you are “God’s child,” or do you take His holiness seriously? Do you see His discipline as cruelty, or as love that purifies? Will you submit to His holiness now, or face His judgment later?

Israel’s fall shows us that holiness is never optional. It is the very character of God—and the only path to true life.

Chapter 6 – The Problem of Sin: Why God Cannot Overlook Evil

Sin Is Not a Mistake—It Is Rebellion Against a Holy God

Why God’s Judgment of Sin Proves His Goodness, Even When It Brings Death

Why Sin Must Be Taken Seriously

Most people think of sin as small mistakes or personal flaws. But in Scripture, sin is not just bad behavior—it is cosmic rebellion against the Creator. It is treason against the One who made heaven and earth. Sin is not neutral; it destroys everything it touches.

When we see God kill in the Old Testament, we must remember this: He is not reacting to something small. He is confronting rebellion that corrupts lives, families, nations, and entire generations. His holiness cannot ignore it. If He did, He would no longer be good.

What Sin Really Is

The Bible defines sin in clear terms: “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). It is not merely doing wrong; it is breaking God’s design for life itself.

The serpent’s deception in the garden revealed the core of sin: a desire to be independent from God, to decide right and wrong on our own. Sin is not about “little slip-ups”—it is a rebellion of the heart. And the wages of sin is always death (Romans 6:23).

How Sin Corrupts Everything

One reason God brings judgment is because sin spreads like a disease. Left unchecked, it destroys entire cultures. This is why God judged the world with the flood, Egypt with plagues, Canaan with conquest, and even Israel with exile.

Sin is not harmless. It poisons:

The heart: filling it with pride, lust, and rebellion.
The family: tearing apart marriages and children.
The community: spreading violence and injustice.
The nation: turning entire cultures against God.

God’s holiness is like a surgeon’s knife. His judgment cuts out the disease before it consumes everything.

Scripture’s Witness About Sin

The Bible consistently ties sin to death and judgment.

• “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
• “For the wages of sin is death” (Ezekiel 18:20).
• “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
• “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you” (Isaiah 59:2).
• “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

Sin and death are inseparable. If we deny this, we will always see God’s judgment as cruelty instead of holiness.

Why God Cannot Overlook Sin

Some ask, “Why doesn’t God just forgive without judgment?” The answer is simple: because He is holy. If God ignored sin, He would be complicit in it. If He looked the other way, He would no longer be just.

Imagine a judge in a courtroom who lets a murderer go free without consequence. We would not call that judge loving—we would call him corrupt. In the same way, God cannot remain holy and allow sin to go unpunished. His holiness demands justice.

How This Explains God’s Killing in the Old Testament

When God kills in the Old Testament, He is not acting out of cruelty. He is confronting the full weight of sin. Every death under His judgment is a reminder that sin leads to death.

The flood showed how sin corrupts the whole world.
The plagues showed how sin enslaves nations.
The conquest showed how sin entrenches itself in cultures.
Israel’s exile showed how sin destroys even God’s own people.

Each act of killing was not random but a holy response to rebellion. God’s holiness demanded it, and His goodness ensured that judgment never came without warning or mercy.

The Mercy Within the Judgment

Even when God confronted sin with death, He always offered a way of escape. Noah’s ark, the blood of the Passover lamb, Rahab’s scarlet cord, Israel’s prophets—all were signs of mercy in the midst of wrath.

This is key: God’s holiness judges sin, but His goodness always makes room for salvation. The same God who kills is the God who saves. The two cannot be separated.

The Cross as the Ultimate Picture

The Old Testament killings point us to the cross. There, God’s holiness and goodness met fully. Sin was judged in the death of Jesus, but mercy flowed for all who believe.

Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities… and by his wounds we are healed.” The death of Christ is the ultimate proof that God cannot overlook sin—but it is also the ultimate proof of His goodness.

Why God’s Judgment Is Good

To us, judgment feels harsh. But to victims of evil, judgment is good news. The God who judges sin is the God who defends the oppressed, vindicates the righteous, and restores what was lost.

Think of it this way:

If God did not judge Egypt, Israel would still be enslaved.
If God did not judge Canaan, idolatry would have consumed Israel.
If God did not judge Israel, their covenant would have died in corruption.

God’s judgment is never senseless. It is always holy. It is always good.

Lessons for Us Today

The problem of sin is not ancient history. It still affects us today.

• Do we see sin as rebellion, or just “mistakes”?
• Do we realize that sin destroys families, churches, and nations?
• Do we understand that God’s holiness still demands justice?
• Do we cling to Christ, who bore the judgment for us?

The lesson of Israel, Egypt, Canaan, and the flood is this: sin kills. And the only answer is God’s holiness through Christ.

Why This Matters for Our View of God

If we fail to understand sin, we will always misunderstand God’s actions. We will accuse Him of cruelty instead of seeing His justice. We will think of His killing as murder instead of holiness.

But when we see sin for what it is, we begin to understand. God’s holiness cannot ignore evil. His goodness cannot allow rebellion to go unchecked. His justice ensures that death always follows sin—but His mercy ensures that life is offered through Christ.

Reflection and Application

So, how should we live in light of this truth?

Take sin seriously. Never minimize it.
See God’s judgment as good. It protects, restores, and preserves.
Trust His mercy. He always provides a way of escape.
Cling to Christ. He bore the judgment we deserved.
Live in reverence. God’s holiness is not to be taken lightly.

When we see sin as rebellion, we see God’s holiness as beautiful. His killing is not cruelty—it is holy justice, and it is good.

Call-to-Action Summary

Sin is rebellion against a holy God, not just mistakes.
God cannot overlook sin without ceasing to be good.
Every Old Testament killing was a holy response to rebellion.
Mercy always accompanied judgment, pointing to Christ.
The cross is the ultimate proof that sin demands death, but God provides life.

Key Truth: The God who judges sin with death is the God who offers life through Christ.

So let me ask you—do you still treat sin casually, or do you see it as rebellion? Do you see God’s judgments as cruel, or as consistent with His holiness? Will you bow to His justice now, or face it later?

The problem of sin is the reason God killed in the Old Testament. And the problem of sin is the reason Christ died on the cross. The holiness that judges is the holiness that saves.

Chapter 7 – The Mercy Within the Wrath: God’s Warnings and Second Chances

God Never Brings Judgment Without First Offering a Way Out

How His Mercy and Holiness Work Together, Even When Death Falls

The Pattern of God’s Warnings

If we read the Old Testament carefully, we see a consistent pattern: before judgment ever comes, God warns. He sends prophets, signs, and opportunities to repent. His wrath is never sudden, never reckless, and never without warning.

From the flood to the exile, every act of judgment was preceded by mercy. This is key to understanding how God can kill and still be good. He never delights in destruction. He longs for repentance. His holiness demands judgment, but His goodness extends mercy first.

Why God Gives Second Chances

Why does God warn before He judges? Because His heart is not to destroy but to save. Ezekiel 33:11 says, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” That is God’s heart.

When He kills in the Old Testament, it is not because He is cruel—it is because people rejected His repeated offers of mercy. His warnings are invitations. When they are ignored, judgment comes. But no one can say they were not given a chance.

Examples of Warnings in Scripture

Consider how often God warned before bringing death:

The Flood (Genesis 6–9): For 120 years, Noah preached while building the ark. People ignored the message until the rain fell.
Egypt’s Plagues (Exodus 7–12): Nine plagues came before the death of the firstborn. Pharaoh had chance after chance to let Israel go.
Canaan’s Conquest (Genesis 15:16; Joshua 2): God gave the Canaanites centuries to repent. Rahab believed and was spared.
Israel’s Exile (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah): Prophets warned for decades before Babylon came.
Nineveh (Jonah 3): When they repented at Jonah’s preaching, God relented and spared them.

God’s mercy always comes first. Judgment only falls when warnings are rejected.

Scripture’s Witness to Mercy Before Wrath

The Bible repeatedly declares that God is slow to anger and abounding in love.

• “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).
• “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23).
• “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).
• “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
• “When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9).

Mercy is always present—even in the shadow of wrath.

How This Explains God’s Killing in the Old Testament

Here is the central truth: God never killed without first giving a way to avoid death. His holiness demanded justice, but His goodness offered mercy.

Those who entered the ark lived.
Those who placed the lamb’s blood on their doors lived.
Those who joined Israel, like Rahab, lived.
Those who repented at prophetic warnings lived.

The problem was never that God was too harsh. The problem was that people ignored His mercy until it was too late.

The Mercy That Looks Like Delay

Sometimes God’s mercy looks like slowness. People mock and say, “Where is His judgment?” But in reality, He is giving time for repentance.

In Noah’s day, 120 years passed before the flood. In Israel’s day, prophets warned for generations. Today, centuries have passed since the cross. God’s patience is mercy. But when the time is up, His holiness acts.

This shows us why God’s killing is not cruel. If people die under judgment, it is because they rejected His mercy again and again.

Mercy and Wrath Together at the Cross

The clearest picture of mercy in wrath is the cross. God’s wrath against sin fell fully on Jesus, but His mercy was extended to us. The cross proves that mercy and judgment are not opposites. They meet in holiness.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s mercy gave us His Son, but His holiness required His death. This is why He can kill and still be good.

Why Mercy Makes Judgment Good

Without mercy, judgment would feel unfair. But with mercy, judgment is seen as holy. God never judges without offering a way of escape. He never destroys without giving time to repent. His killing is not random—it is the last resort after mercy is rejected.

This is what makes His judgments good. They reveal His holiness, but they also magnify His mercy. Every act of wrath is paired with an invitation of grace.

Lessons for Us Today

So what does this mean for us?

• We must take God’s warnings seriously.
• We cannot presume on His mercy forever.
• We must recognize that His patience is designed to lead us to repentance.
• We must see His judgments not as cruelty, but as holiness paired with mercy.
• We must cling to Christ, the final and ultimate way of escape.

The mercy in God’s wrath is still active today. But the day is coming when His holiness will bring final judgment.

Why This Matters for Our View of God

If we only see wrath, God looks cruel. If we only see mercy, God looks weak. But when we see both together, we see holiness.

The Old Testament killings make sense only when we realize God always warned first. He always gave chances. He always made a way of escape. If people died, it was because they refused His mercy. That is not cruelty—that is holiness and goodness working together.

Call-to-Action Summary

God always gives warnings before judgment.
His mercy is His first response; wrath is His last resort.
Every Old Testament killing came after ignored chances to repent.
The cross is the ultimate picture of mercy within wrath.
His holiness and goodness shine most clearly when we see both mercy and judgment together.

Key Truth: The God who warns before He judges is the God who saves before He kills.

So let me ask you—will you hear His warning and turn now, or will you ignore His mercy until it is too late? Will you accuse Him of cruelty, or worship Him for His holiness?

The Old Testament shows us that mercy always comes before wrath. God’s killing was never random—it was always holy, always good, and always preceded by mercy.

Chapter 8 – From Blood to Cross: How Old Testament Judgment Points to Jesus

Why Every Act of Judgment Foreshadowed the Cross

How God’s Killing in the Old Testament Leads Us to His Ultimate Salvation

The Trail of Blood Through Scripture

From Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament is filled with blood. The flood drowned the world in water, but it was still about death. Egypt’s firstborn sons died. Canaan’s nations were wiped out. Even Israel faced exile and destruction.

Every story of judgment feels heavy. And yet, each one points to something greater. The blood that fell in the Old Testament was not the end of the story—it was a shadow of the cross, where God’s holiness and goodness would meet in their fullest expression.

Why Blood Matters

The Bible makes it clear: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Blood represents life. When sin is present, life must be given. That’s why sacrifices were commanded, why lambs were slain, and why judgment often meant death.

God was teaching Israel a profound truth: sin costs life. Death is not random—it is the inevitable wage of rebellion. Every time blood was shed, whether in sacrifice or in judgment, it pointed forward to Christ, who would shed His own blood for the sins of the world.

Old Testament Judgments as Previews

The killings in the Old Testament were not disconnected from the cross. They were previews of what sin deserves and what Jesus would one day take upon Himself.

The Flood: Humanity’s wickedness brought global death. Jesus bore the judgment of the world at the cross.
Egypt’s Firstborn: Death fell, but the blood of the lamb spared Israel. Jesus became the ultimate Passover Lamb.
Canaan’s Conquest: Entire nations were destroyed for sin. On the cross, Jesus took the destruction that we deserved.
Israel’s Exile: God’s people bore judgment for their sin. Jesus became the faithful Israelite who bore judgment for all.

Every act of judgment pointed to a greater reality: sin demands death, but God provides salvation through His chosen Lamb.

Scripture’s Witness to Christ in the Old Testament

The Bible itself explains how the Old Testament judgments and sacrifices point to Jesus.

• “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
• “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
• “But he was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on him” (Isaiah 53:5).
• “The blood of goats and bulls… sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more… will the blood of Christ cleanse our consciences” (Hebrews 9:13–14).
• “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood” (Romans 3:25).

The line is unbroken: every killing, every judgment, every sacrifice was leading us to the cross.

How God’s Killing Points to His Goodness

Here’s the paradox: the very acts that make us question God’s goodness are the same acts that point us to His ultimate goodness. If He had not judged sin in the Old Testament, we would never understand the seriousness of sin or the necessity of the cross.

The flood shows us that sin brings death. Egypt shows us that God redeems through blood. Canaan shows us that God removes entrenched evil. Israel’s exile shows us that even His people need judgment. And all of it points to Jesus, where His holiness and goodness met perfectly.

The Mercy in the Blood

Blood in the Old Testament was not just about wrath. It was about mercy. Every sacrifice gave Israel a way to remain in covenant with God. Every Passover spared lives through substitution. Every warning paired with bloodshed was an invitation to repentance.

And all of it pointed to the greatest act of mercy—the blood of Christ. His blood did not merely cover sin temporarily. It removed it forever for those who believe. The mercy hidden in the wrath of the Old Testament became mercy revealed in the cross.

The Cross as the Final Judgment

At the cross, the judgment of God fell in full. Sin was punished. Death was confronted. Wrath was poured out. But it did not fall on us—it fell on Jesus.

This is why we can understand the Old Testament killings rightly. They were not random cruelty. They were previews of the full judgment that would one day be satisfied in Christ. The God who killed in the Old Testament is the God who killed His own Son for our salvation.

Why God’s Killing Is Not Contradictory

Some say, “God seems violent in the Old Testament and loving in the New.” But the truth is, He is the same God in both. His holiness and goodness never change. The killings in the Old Testament and the cross in the New Testament are two parts of the same story.

In the Old Testament, He killed to show sin’s seriousness. In the New Testament, He killed His own Son to show His love. This is not contradiction—it is completion. Holiness demanded justice. Goodness provided salvation.

Lessons for Us Today

The blood and the cross teach us truths we cannot ignore:

• Sin always leads to death.
• God’s holiness demands judgment.
• God’s goodness always provides a substitute.
• Mercy is found in the blood.
• The cross is the final fulfillment of every Old Testament killing.

If we reject these truths, we will see God as cruel. But if we embrace them, we will see His holiness as beautiful and His goodness as undeniable.

Why This Matters for Our View of God

Understanding the connection between the Old Testament killings and the cross changes everything. Instead of seeing God as inconsistent, we see Him as consistent from beginning to end. Instead of accusing Him of cruelty, we worship Him for His holiness and His goodness.

The God who killed in the Old Testament is the same God who provided the cross. His holiness never changed. His goodness never changed. His plan was always to reveal the depth of sin and the height of His mercy through blood.

Call-to-Action Summary

Every Old Testament killing was a preview of the cross.
Blood represents life, and sin always demands death.
God’s holiness judged, but His goodness always pointed to mercy.
The cross fulfilled every shadow, every judgment, every sacrifice.
The God who killed is the God who saves.

Key Truth: The God who shed blood in judgment is the God who shed His own blood in mercy.

So let me ask you—will you stumble at the killings of the Old Testament, or will you follow the trail of blood to the cross? Will you accuse God of cruelty, or worship Him for His holiness?

The blood that fell in the Old Testament is not the end of the story. It was always pointing to the cross, where holiness and goodness meet forever.

Chapter 9 – The God Who Kills and Saves: Understanding the Paradox

How God’s Judgment and Mercy Work Together

Why the Same God Who Takes Life Also Gives Eternal Life

The Paradox That Troubles Many

When we look at the Old Testament, one truth feels almost impossible to reconcile: God kills. He destroyed nations, sent plagues, ordered conquests, and even judged His own people with death. For many, this creates a crisis of faith.

How can God be good if He kills? How can He be holy and still take life? This is the paradox. And yet, when we understand it rightly, we see that the God who kills is also the God who saves. His holiness and His goodness are never in conflict—they are revealed in perfect harmony.

Why God Kills

God kills for one reason: sin brings death. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). When God takes life in the Old Testament, He is not committing murder—He is enacting justice. He is giving sin its due.

If God allowed sin to continue unchecked, He would no longer be holy. His goodness would be compromised. Every act of killing was a holy response to rebellion, corruption, and violence. His holiness demanded it.

Why God Saves

But the paradox does not end with killing. The same holiness that demands judgment also makes salvation possible. God does not kill because He enjoys destruction. He kills to remove sin, to protect the innocent, and to preserve a remnant for redemption.

This is why He always pairs judgment with mercy. The ark for Noah. The blood of the lamb for Israel. Rahab’s scarlet cord in Jericho. A remnant preserved in exile. God kills, but He also saves.

Scripture’s Witness to the Paradox

The Bible never hides this tension. It declares it openly.

• “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand” (Deuteronomy 32:39).
• “The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to the grave and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6).
• “For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).
• “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15).
• “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

The God who judges is the God who saves. Both are true. Both are holy. Both are good.

How This Explains Old Testament Killings

When God killed in the Old Testament, it was never outside of this paradox. He was always revealing both His justice and His mercy.

The Flood: He killed the corrupt, but saved Noah.
Egypt: He killed the firstborn, but delivered Israel.
Canaan: He destroyed nations, but spared Rahab and others who believed.
Israel’s Exile: He allowed His people to fall, but preserved a remnant.

Killing and saving always worked together. His holiness required justice. His goodness preserved mercy.

The Mercy Within the Wrath

If we only see the killing, God looks cruel. But if we also see the mercy, His goodness shines. Every act of wrath was paired with a chance for salvation. Every death was a reminder of life offered.

Even when God struck down thousands, He was also giving warnings, sending prophets, and preserving a path to redemption. His wrath was never isolated from His mercy. This is what makes Him holy. This is what makes Him good.

The Cross as the Ultimate Paradox

The greatest expression of this paradox is the cross. At Calvary, God killed—and God saved. His wrath against sin fell fully on Jesus, but His mercy was poured out on us.

Isaiah 53:10 says, “It was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer.” God killed His own Son so He could save the world. The paradox is not a contradiction—it is the very heart of the gospel. The God who kills is the God who saves.

Why This Is Good News

To the world, this sounds offensive. A God who kills? A God who pours out wrath? But to those who understand holiness, this is good news. It means evil will not win. It means sin will not go unpunished. It means salvation is real.

God’s killing is not cruelty—it is justice. His saving is not indulgence—it is mercy. Together, they show us the full picture of His character. A God who only killed would be terrifying. A God who only saved would be unjust. But the God who does both is holy and good.

Lessons for Us Today

The paradox teaches us truths we must not ignore:

• God is both Judge and Savior.
• Sin will always bring death, but mercy is always offered.
• God’s holiness demands justice, but His goodness provides salvation.
• The killings in the Old Testament were previews of the cross.
• The cross is the ultimate proof that the God who kills also saves.

If we embrace this paradox, we will see God rightly. If we reject it, we will stumble over His holiness.

Why This Matters for Our View of God

When people reject the God of the Old Testament, it is usually because they cannot reconcile this paradox. They want a God who saves but never kills. But that is not the real God. The real God is holy. The real God is good. The real God does both.

Understanding this changes how we see His actions. His killing is not murder—it is holy justice. His saving is not weakness—it is holy mercy. Together, they show us the fullness of who He is.

Call-to-Action Summary

The God who kills is the same God who saves.
His holiness demands justice, but His goodness provides mercy.
Every Old Testament killing was both judgment and salvation.
The cross is the ultimate expression of this paradox.
To know God truly, we must embrace both sides of His holiness.

Key Truth: The God who judges with death is the God who saves with life.

So let me ask you—will you stumble over the paradox, or will you worship the God who is both holy and good? Will you accuse Him of cruelty, or trust Him as the Judge who also became your Savior?

The God who kills is the God who saves. This is not a contradiction—it is the gospel.

Chapter 10 – Knowing Him Truly: Reverence, Fear, and Love for a Holy God

Why Seeing God Clearly Requires Both Fear and Love

How Embracing His Holiness Transforms Our View of Judgment and Mercy

The God We Must Truly Know

After walking through the flood, the plagues, the conquest, the exile, and the cross, one truth stands above all: we must know God as He truly is. Not as we wish Him to be. Not as culture presents Him. Not as a watered-down version who only comforts but never judges.

The true God is holy. The true God kills and saves. The true God demands reverence. And to know Him truly, we must embrace both His justice and His mercy, both His wrath and His love.

Why Reverence Matters

The Bible tells us plainly: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Without reverence, we cannot even begin to know Him. Reverence means acknowledging His holiness, His authority, and His right to rule.

When God killed in the Old Testament, it was not to terrify people into despair—it was to reveal His holiness so they would fear Him rightly. His judgment is a call to reverence. His mercy is an invitation to love. Together, they lead us into true worship.

The Fear of the Lord Explained

Fear of God does not mean cringing terror. It means awe, respect, and trembling recognition of His greatness. When Isaiah saw God’s glory, he cried, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). That is reverence.

Reverence grows when we recognize that God has the right to give life and to take it. The killings in the Old Testament are not contradictions—they are revelations. They teach us to approach Him with humility, not arrogance. With awe, not presumption.

Scripture’s Witness to Reverence and Love

The Bible repeatedly ties fear and love together.

• “Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling” (Psalm 2:11).
• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
• “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29).
• “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).
• “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).

Reverence and love are not opposites. They are two sides of knowing God truly.

How Old Testament Killings Call Us to Reverence

Every time God killed in the Old Testament, it was a reminder that He is holy. The flood showed His authority over creation. The plagues showed His authority over nations. The conquest showed His authority over land. The exile showed His authority even over His own people.

If God’s judgments do not lead us to reverence, we have missed their purpose. They are not written to make us stumble but to make us stand in awe. The God who kills is the God who deserves reverence.

Why Love Must Be Paired with Fear

If we only fear God, we miss His goodness. If we only love Him, we miss His holiness. To know Him truly, we must hold both together.

The cross is the clearest picture of this. God’s holiness required death, and His love provided Jesus as the sacrifice. Fear and love met on Calvary. Reverence bows before His holiness. Love clings to His mercy. Together, they form true worship.

The Danger of a Half View of God

Many today prefer a God who only saves but never judges. Others see a God who only judges but never saves. Both are half views—and both are dangerous.

If we only see His mercy, we become casual and careless with sin. If we only see His judgment, we become hopeless and afraid. But when we see both, we are transformed. The killings in the Old Testament remind us of His holiness. The cross reminds us of His goodness. Together, they show us the real God.

Lessons for Us Today

Knowing God truly changes everything:

• We worship with reverence, not casualness.
• We obey out of love, not fear alone.
• We take sin seriously, knowing it leads to death.
• We trust His mercy, knowing He always provides a way of escape.
• We share the gospel, because judgment is real and salvation is urgent.

Reverence, fear, and love are not optional. They are the only right response to a God who kills and saves.

Why God’s Killing Shows His Goodness

Here is the final truth: the very acts of killing that trouble us are proof of God’s goodness. If He ignored sin, He would be unjust. If He tolerated rebellion, He would be unholy. If He let evil run unchecked, He would not be good.

His killing was never murder. It was always holy justice. And His goodness was always present—through warnings, through mercy, through preservation of a remnant, and ultimately through the cross. Knowing Him truly means seeing His killings not as cruelty but as holiness in action.

Call-to-Action Summary

Knowing God truly requires reverence, fear, and love.
His killings in the Old Testament call us to awe, not accusation.
His holiness demands justice, but His goodness always provides mercy.
The cross is the clearest picture of reverence and love united.
To worship God rightly, we must embrace Him as both Judge and Savior.

Key Truth: The God who kills and saves is the God who is worthy of all reverence, fear, and love.

So let me ask you—will you know Him truly, or will you cling to a half view of God? Will you tremble at His holiness and rejoice in His goodness? Will you love the God who kills and saves?

To know Him truly is to worship Him rightly. To worship Him rightly is to live in reverence, fear, and love. And to live in reverence, fear, and love is to see His killings not as cruelty, but as the holy goodness of the God who is both Judge and Savior.

Chapter 11 – The Jesus Prayer: “Jesus Christ, Have Mercy On Me, A Sinner”

Why the Saints Repeated This Prayer Daily

How Calling on Christ’s Mercy Connects Us to His Holiness and Goodness

A Simple Prayer with Eternal Depth

As we close this journey, we turn to one of the simplest and most powerful prayers in all of Christian history: “Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Known as the Jesus Prayer, it has been prayed by countless saints, monks, and faithful believers throughout the centuries.

It is short. It is simple. And yet, it contains the whole gospel in one sentence. In these words, we recognize Jesus as Lord, confess our sin, and appeal to His mercy. This is the right response to everything we have studied about a holy God who judges sin and saves through Christ.

Why the Saints Prayed This Prayer Daily

The lives of the saints show us the significance of this prayer. In the deserts of Egypt, the monks of the early church repeated it constantly, training their hearts to stay fixed on Christ. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, it became a form of “unceasing prayer,” echoing Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

These saints were not casual about sin. They understood the holiness of God, the weight of judgment, and the need for mercy. By praying, “Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner,” they placed themselves continually under His lordship and grace.

The Meaning Behind the Words

Each word of the Jesus Prayer carries profound significance:

“Jesus Christ” – We call on the only Name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).
“Have mercy” – We admit our need, appealing to His compassion and forgiveness.
“On me” – We make it personal, not theoretical. God’s mercy must touch me.
“A sinner” – We confess the truth about ourselves. Without His grace, we are guilty and condemned.

This prayer is not empty repetition. It is a confession of faith, humility, and dependence on the mercy of a holy God.

Scripture’s Witness to the Cry for Mercy

The Bible is full of prayers for mercy that echo the heart of the Jesus Prayer.

• “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The tax collector’s prayer was heard, while the proud Pharisee’s was rejected.
• “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matthew 20:30). Two blind men cried out to Jesus and were healed.
• “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). Stephen’s dying words appealed to Christ’s mercy.
• “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you” (Psalm 41:4). David recognized sin and sought mercy.
• “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy” (Hebrews 4:16). Mercy is always available in Christ.

The Jesus Prayer is deeply biblical. It distills the cry of God’s people across the ages into one simple, powerful plea.

Why This Prayer Matters for Everyone

Why would saints pray this prayer daily, often for hours at a time? Because they understood something we often forget: we cannot survive without mercy.

If God’s holiness demands justice, and if sin brings death, then our only hope is mercy. The Jesus Prayer is how we keep this truth in front of us every moment. It humbles the proud, comforts the broken, and anchors the soul in the mercy of Christ.

Imagine if every person in the world prayed this prayer daily. Wars would end. Pride would fall. Forgiveness would flow. Revival would spread. Because every heart would be confessing sin and calling on the Name that saves.

How This Prayer Connects to God’s Killing in the Old Testament

This brings us back to our central theme: how God could kill in the Old Testament and still be holy and good. The answer is seen in the Jesus Prayer.

The flood, the plagues, the conquest, the exile—all revealed the seriousness of sin. God’s holiness demanded justice, and death followed. But the Jesus Prayer acknowledges this truth: I am a sinner. I deserve death. Only Your mercy can save me.

When we pray this way, we are aligning ourselves with God’s holiness, confessing our guilt, and clinging to His goodness. His killing in the Old Testament is not cruelty—it is what makes the Jesus Prayer necessary. His holiness makes His mercy priceless.

The Jesus Prayer as Unceasing Prayer

In the tradition of the saints, the Jesus Prayer became a rhythm of life. Monks prayed it while working, walking, eating, and resting. It became the background song of their souls. They believed that by repeating it often, their hearts would stay soft, humble, and focused on Christ.

This was not about empty words. It was about training the soul to live in constant awareness of God’s holiness and mercy. To pray without ceasing is to stay awake to the reality that we need His mercy every moment.

Practical Ways to Pray This Prayer

How can we follow in their footsteps today?

Begin the day with it. Start every morning by confessing: “Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Pray it throughout the day. Whisper it in traffic, at work, or while doing chores.
Use it in times of temptation. Call on Christ’s mercy when sin seems near.
End the day with it. Fall asleep with the words on your lips.
Share it with others. Teach family and friends this prayer, so they too may cling to Christ’s mercy.

This is not about ritual—it is about relationship. The Jesus Prayer is how we walk with God moment by moment.

Why Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” This is the conclusion of all we have studied. God’s holiness demanded killing in the Old Testament. But His goodness provided mercy in Christ. Judgment shows us our need. Mercy shows us His heart.

The Jesus Prayer brings both together. When we say it, we are admitting that we deserve judgment. But we are also receiving mercy. The God who kills is the God who saves. The God who judges is the God who forgives. The God who is holy is the God who is good.

Lessons for Us Today

The Jesus Prayer teaches us:

• We are all sinners in need of mercy.
• God’s holiness demands judgment, but His goodness offers forgiveness.
• Mercy is available every moment for those who call on Christ.
• Saints throughout history prayed this prayer because they understood their daily need.
• This prayer unites reverence, humility, and love into one cry.

The Old Testament killings make us tremble. The Jesus Prayer makes us kneel. Together, they lead us to worship.

Why This Prayer Is the Perfect Conclusion

This prayer closes our journey because it summarizes everything. The holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, the necessity of judgment, the beauty of mercy, the centrality of Christ—it is all here.

When we pray, “Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner,” we are admitting the truth: we deserve death, but God gives life. We are bowing before the same holy God who killed in the Old Testament, and we are clinging to the same good God who saves through the cross.

Call-to-Action Summary

The Jesus Prayer is the simplest, deepest way to confess our need and receive God’s mercy.
Saints through history prayed it daily to live in unceasing awareness of His holiness and love.
It unites reverence, confession, and dependence on Christ.
It connects directly to the truth that God’s judgment is holy and His mercy is good.
This prayer should be on the lips of every believer, every day.

Key Truth: The God who kills in holiness is the God who saves in mercy—and we confess it every time we pray: “Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

So let me ask you—will you join the saints in this prayer? Will you let it shape your days, humble your heart, and keep you clinging to Christ? Will you let it be your response to the God who is both Judge and Savior?

This prayer is not the end—it is the beginning. The beginning of knowing God truly, walking with Him daily, and living forever in His mercy.

Part 2 - Mercy, Repentance, & Sin

The story of God’s holiness would be incomplete without the story of His mercy. Throughout the Bible, judgment was never the end—it was always paired with opportunities for repentance and the promise of forgiveness. Mercy shines brightest against the backdrop of wrath.

Repentance is our only right response to a holy God. It is not about shallow regret but about turning fully from sin and returning to Him. When Nineveh repented, God relented. When David confessed, God restored. This pattern is the heartbeat of Scripture.

The cross stands as the ultimate display of both mercy and holiness. There, judgment fell on Jesus so mercy could fall on us. Forgiveness is now offered as a gift, not because we deserve it, but because God is good.

Living in light of mercy means daily gratitude and humility. Walking in holiness means living set apart, empowered by the Spirit to resist sin. Together, these truths shape a lifestyle that honors God and reflects His character. The same God who judged in the Old Testament is the God who now invites us to walk in freedom and grace.

Chapter 12 – Mercy That Triumphs Over Judgment

Why God’s Mercy Is Greater Than His Wrath

How Old Testament Judgment Always Carried an Invitation of Grace

The Hope Hidden in Judgment

If all we see in the Old Testament is wrath, we miss the deeper story. Behind every flood, every plague, every conquest, and every exile, mercy was present. God always gave warnings. He always gave opportunities. He always made room for repentance.

This is why James 2:13 declares, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Judgment reveals God’s holiness. But mercy reveals His heart. To understand how God could kill in the Old Testament and still be good, we must see mercy as His final word, not wrath.

Mercy Before the Flood

The flood is often remembered as global destruction—but it was also global mercy. For 120 years, Noah preached while building the ark (Genesis 6–7). Every hammer strike was a sermon. Every plank was an invitation. The world could have repented, but they refused.

When the waters rose, God was not cruel. He was consistent. Sin demanded judgment. But mercy had been offered first. Noah’s family was spared—not because they deserved it, but because God provided salvation through the ark.

Mercy in the Plagues of Egypt

The plagues in Egypt culminated in death, but they began with warnings. Pharaoh had nine opportunities to repent before the tenth plague came. Each plague was both a judgment and a chance for mercy.

The blood of the lamb on the doorposts was not just protection for Israel—it was mercy available to anyone who believed. God’s holiness demanded judgment of Egypt’s sin, but His goodness provided mercy for those under the blood. This same mercy points us to Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb.

Mercy in the Conquest of Canaan

The conquest of Canaan looks brutal. Nations were destroyed, cities burned, people killed. But mercy was present even here. God gave the Amorites over 400 years to repent before judgment came (Genesis 15:16). Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, was spared because she believed (Joshua 2).

Canaan’s destruction was not indiscriminate cruelty. It was holy justice after centuries of warning. And within it, God’s mercy triumphed. Those who believed were spared. Those who turned from sin found life.

Mercy in Israel’s Exile

Even when God judged His own people, mercy was woven into the story. Prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel cried out for repentance. For generations, Israel ignored the warnings. Eventually, Babylon came, and thousands died.

But even then, mercy was not gone. God preserved a remnant. He promised restoration after seventy years (Jeremiah 29:10–11). His holiness demanded exile, but His goodness guaranteed return. Judgment fell, but mercy triumphed.

Scripture’s Witness to Mercy Over Wrath

The Bible is filled with declarations of mercy’s triumph:

• “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
• “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).
• “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23).
• “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9).
• “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Mercy is not weakness. Mercy is God’s greatest strength. It is what makes His holiness beautiful.

Why Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

Mercy triumphs because judgment is temporary, but mercy is eternal. Judgment is God’s necessary response to sin. Mercy is His ultimate desire for humanity.

Think of it this way:

Judgment clears the ground.
Mercy rebuilds the house.
Judgment confronts the disease.
Mercy provides the cure.

God kills in judgment, but He always saves through mercy. That is why He can remain holy and good.

How Mercy Explains Old Testament Killings

When we wrestle with God killing in the Old Testament, we must ask: was mercy present? The answer is always yes.

Before the flood came, Noah preached.
Before the plagues, Pharaoh was warned.
Before Canaan’s destruction, centuries of patience passed.
Before exile, prophets cried out.

No one died without warning. No one was judged without mercy first being offered. God’s killings were never random—they were always consistent with His holiness, and always balanced by His goodness.

Mercy at the Cross

The ultimate triumph of mercy over judgment happened at the cross. God’s wrath fell fully on Jesus. Judgment was complete. Sin was punished. But mercy triumphed because salvation was offered to the world.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross proves that God is both holy and good. The killing that troubles us in the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in the mercy of Christ.

What This Means for Us Today

If mercy triumphs over judgment, how should we live?

• We should never treat sin casually, knowing it leads to death.
• We should always see God’s mercy as our only hope.
• We should repent quickly when convicted.
• We should extend mercy to others as God extended mercy to us.
• We should cling to Christ, the fullness of God’s mercy.

God’s holiness still demands justice, but His mercy is greater. This changes how we see Him and how we live.

Why This Matters for Knowing God Truly

If we only see God as Judge, we will fear Him but never love Him. If we only see Him as Merciful, we will love Him but never revere Him. To know Him truly, we must see both.

Mercy does not erase judgment—it triumphs over it. God’s killings in the Old Testament are not contradictions to His goodness. They are the stage upon which His mercy shines brightest. The God who judges is the God who saves. The God who kills is the God who gives life.

Call-to-Action Summary

God always gave mercy before judgment.
Mercy is stronger and more lasting than wrath.
Old Testament killings were preceded by patience, warnings, and offers of grace.
The cross is the ultimate triumph of mercy over judgment.
To know God truly, we must embrace His holiness and His mercy together.

Key Truth: The God who kills in holiness is the God whose mercy triumphs over judgment.

So let me ask you—will you accuse God of cruelty, or will you worship Him for His mercy? Will you stumble at His judgment, or rejoice in His salvation?

The Old Testament killings point us to the cross, where mercy triumphed once and for all. The God who judges is the God who saves. His holiness demands justice, but His mercy has the final word.

Chapter 13 – Repentance: The Only Right Response to Holiness

Why Turning From Sin Is the Key to Life

How Repentance Transforms Judgment Into Mercy

Why Repentance Matters

Repentance is not just a religious word—it is the doorway to life. Throughout Scripture, whenever people truly turned back to God, mercy flowed and judgment stopped. Repentance is God’s invitation to escape the wrath our sins deserve.

This is why the Old Testament stories of killing make sense only in light of repentance. God was not being cruel; He was showing us that sin leads to death, but turning back leads to life. Repentance is not optional—it is the only right response to a holy God.

What Repentance Really Means

The word “repent” in the Bible comes from the Greek metanoia, meaning “a change of mind.” It is not about feeling guilty—it is about changing direction. To repent is to agree with God about sin and turn from it completely.

Repentance is not mere regret. It is not trying harder. It is not promising to do better. Repentance is surrender. It is laying down pride, admitting guilt, and turning to the God who is holy and good.

Scripture’s Witness to Repentance

The Bible emphasizes repentance from beginning to end:

• “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall” (Ezekiel 18:30).
• “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2).
• “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3).
• “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
• “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19).

Repentance is always tied to mercy. When we turn from sin, God turns from judgment.

Old Testament Examples of Repentance

Throughout the Old Testament, repentance always brought mercy:

Nineveh (Jonah 3): When the city repented, God relented, sparing them from destruction.
David (Psalm 51): After his sin with Bathsheba, David confessed and turned, and God restored him.
Israel in Judges: Whenever the people cried out, God raised up a deliverer.
Josiah (2 Kings 22–23): The king tore down idols after reading God’s law, and mercy delayed judgment.
Hezekiah (2 Kings 20): When he prayed and repented, God extended his life.

Every story proves the same point: repentance opens the door to mercy.

How Repentance Explains God’s Killing

God’s killings in the Old Testament were never sudden or unfair. They always came after warnings, patience, and calls to repent. When people refused, judgment fell.

Repentance was always available. Before the flood, before the plagues, before Canaan’s conquest, before Israel’s exile—God gave space to repent. The killings happened not because God was cruel, but because repentance was rejected. His holiness demanded justice, but His goodness always offered a way out.

The Role of Repentance Today

Repentance is not just for the past—it is essential today. Sin still separates us from God. His holiness still demands justice. His goodness still offers mercy.

When we repent, we step into His mercy. When we refuse, we remain under judgment. Repentance is not a one-time act at salvation; it is a lifestyle. It is how we keep our hearts soft, our minds renewed, and our lives aligned with God’s holiness.

Why People Resist Repentance

Why do people resist repentance if it leads to life? Pride. We don’t want to admit we’re wrong. We want to justify ourselves. We want mercy without surrender.

But repentance requires humility. It requires confession. It requires bowing before a holy God. This is why repentance is hard, but also why it is powerful. Without it, judgment remains. With it, mercy triumphs.

Repentance and the Cross

The cross makes repentance possible. Jesus bore the wrath we deserved so that we could receive mercy when we turn to Him. At the cross, God’s holiness judged sin, and His goodness offered forgiveness.

Acts 17:30 says, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” The command is universal. The cross is global mercy, but repentance is the key to receiving it.

Practical Steps of Repentance

What does repentance look like in practice?

Recognize sin. Stop excusing it. Call it what God calls it.
Confess to God. Speak honestly in prayer—don’t hide.
Turn away. Break with the sin completely, not halfheartedly.
Replace with obedience. Fill the empty space with prayer, Scripture, and holiness.
Repeat as needed. Repentance is a lifestyle, not a one-time event.

Repentance is both immediate and ongoing. It restores us daily to the mercy of God.

Why Repentance Shows God’s Goodness

Repentance is not punishment—it is a gift. The God who could just kill us for sin instead calls us to turn and live. That is mercy. That is goodness.

The Old Testament killings remind us of the seriousness of sin. Repentance reminds us of the greatness of mercy. God’s holiness demands that sin die, but His goodness allows us to choose repentance instead of death.

Call-to-Action Summary

Repentance means turning from sin toward God.
It is always the right response to God’s holiness.
In the Old Testament, repentance always brought mercy.
God’s killings happened when repentance was refused.
The cross makes repentance possible for all people today.

Key Truth: The God who kills in holiness calls us to repent so He can save us in mercy.

So let me ask you—will you resist repentance and remain under judgment, or will you turn and receive mercy? Will you accuse God of cruelty, or thank Him for giving you the gift of repentance?

Repentance is the only right response to holiness. It is the door that turns wrath into mercy, and death into life.

Chapter 14 – The Cross and the Gift of Forgiveness

Why the Blood of Jesus Is Greater Than Every Old Testament Sacrifice

How God’s Judgment Fell on Christ So Mercy Could Fall on Us

The Cross at the Center of History

Every story of judgment in the Old Testament leads us here: the cross. The flood, the plagues, the conquest, the exile—each was a shadow pointing forward to the day when God would deal with sin once and for all. The killing that troubles us most in the Old Testament finds its explanation at Calvary.

At the cross, God’s holiness and His goodness met perfectly. Sin was judged, mercy was given, forgiveness was secured. If we miss this, we miss the whole point of why God killed in the Old Testament—so we would understand the cost of sin and the gift of forgiveness.

Why Forgiveness Requires Blood

The Bible is clear: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Blood represents life. Sin demands death. This is why sacrifices were commanded, why lambs were slain, and why judgment often came through killing.

Forgiveness is not cheap. It costs life. The killings in the Old Testament were reminders that sin cannot be overlooked. Every drop of blood pointed forward to Christ, the Lamb of God, who would shed His blood to forgive the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Old Testament Shadows of Forgiveness

The Old Testament was full of rituals that foreshadowed forgiveness through blood:

The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12): Blood on the doorposts meant life for Israel.
The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16): The high priest sprinkled blood to cover Israel’s sins.
The Burnt Offerings (Leviticus 1): Animals died in the place of the guilty.
Isaiah’s Prophecy (Isaiah 53): A Servant would be pierced for our transgressions.
David’s Confession (Psalm 51): Even after judgment, forgiveness was available through sacrifice.

Each shadow whispered the same truth: forgiveness requires substitution. Someone must die so others may live.

Scripture’s Witness to Forgiveness in Christ

The New Testament proclaims that Christ fulfilled all these shadows:

• “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7).
• “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
• “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
• “The blood of Jesus… purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
• “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge… by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13–14).

Forgiveness is not vague or uncertain. It is grounded in the blood of Christ, shed once for all.

How the Cross Explains Old Testament Killings

The killings in the Old Testament were not contradictions to God’s goodness—they were previews of the cross. They showed us that sin always leads to death, that holiness always requires justice, and that forgiveness is never free.

At the cross, God did what He always does: He judged sin. But this time, He placed the judgment on His Son instead of on us. The flood, the plagues, the conquest, the exile—all these pointed to the moment when God’s wrath and mercy would collide on the cross.

The Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not earned—it is given. The cross reminds us that we cannot save ourselves. No amount of good works, no religious rituals, no moral improvement can erase sin. Only blood can do that.

This is why forgiveness is called a gift. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Judgment is what we earned. Forgiveness is what He gave. The cross turned wrath into mercy.

Why Forgiveness Proves God’s Goodness

Some ask: How can God be good if He killed so many in the Old Testament? The answer is found in the cross. If God was willing to pour out His judgment on His own Son to forgive us, then His killings were never cruel—they were consistent with His holiness and goodness.

The God who killed in the Old Testament is the same God who forgave at the cross. His holiness never changed. His goodness never changed. The killings prepared us to see forgiveness as costly and precious. The cross proves that His goodness triumphs.

Living in Forgiveness Today

So what does forgiveness mean for us now?

Freedom from guilt. No sin is too great for the cross.
Freedom from shame. Forgiveness restores our identity in Christ.
Freedom from fear. Judgment fell on Jesus, not us.
Freedom to forgive. As we have been forgiven, we forgive others.
Freedom to worship. Gratitude becomes our lifestyle.

Living in forgiveness means we stop carrying what Jesus already carried. It means we walk in joy, peace, and confidence before a holy God.

Why Forgiveness Demands Our Response

Forgiveness is available to all, but it must be received. Just as Israel had to apply the blood of the lamb to their doorposts, we must apply the blood of Christ to our lives through faith.

The question is not whether forgiveness is offered—it is whether we will accept it. To ignore the cross is to remain under judgment. To receive it is to enter into mercy. Repentance and faith are how we step into the gift of forgiveness.

Call-to-Action Summary

Forgiveness requires blood—sin always demands death.
Old Testament killings were previews of the cross.
At the cross, God judged sin by pouring out wrath on Jesus.
Forgiveness is a gift, not something earned.
Living in forgiveness brings freedom from guilt, shame, and fear.

Key Truth: The God who killed in judgment is the God who forgave at the cross.

So let me ask you—will you stumble at the killings of the Old Testament, or will you run to the cross where judgment became mercy? Will you carry your sin, or will you believe that Christ carried it for you?

Forgiveness is God’s greatest gift. The cross is the proof that His holiness and His goodness are forever united.

Chapter 15 – Breaking Free from Sin’s Power

How God Delivers Us from the Chains That Once Bound Us

Why the God Who Judged Sin Now Gives Us Victory Over It

Forgiveness Is Just the Beginning

When we talk about God’s mercy and the gift of forgiveness, it can be tempting to stop there. But forgiveness is only the starting point of the Christian life. God does not just wipe our record clean—He gives us power to live differently.

This is the good news: the God who judged sin in the Old Testament is the same God who now breaks its power in our lives. His holiness does not only demand justice; it also provides transformation. His goodness is seen not only in forgiving sin but in freeing us from its grip.

Why Sin Still Tries to Control Us

Even after forgiveness, sin still seeks to enslave us. Old habits, desires, and temptations do not vanish overnight. The apostle Paul describes this battle clearly in Romans 7: “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18).

Sin is not just an action—it is a power that seeks to dominate us. This is why God’s judgment in the Old Testament was so severe: He was showing us that sin is not harmless. It destroys lives, families, and nations. But Christ came to break its power forever.

Scripture’s Witness to Freedom

The Bible declares over and over that believers are set free from sin’s power:

• “Sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
• “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
• “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).
• “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

Forgiveness removes guilt. Freedom removes chains. Both are part of God’s goodness.

How God Breaks Sin’s Power

God does not simply tell us to “try harder.” He gives us His Spirit to empower us. Romans 8:11 says, “The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.” That same Spirit who raised Christ now works in us to overcome sin.

This is how God shows He is still holy and good. In the Old Testament, He killed to purge sin. In the New Testament, He fills us with His Spirit to defeat sin from the inside out. Holiness is no longer just a demand—it is a gift of power.

Old Testament Killings and New Testament Freedom

The killings of the Old Testament were external judgments against sin. They showed us how deadly and destructive sin truly is. But now, God has taken the battle inside of us.

In the Old Testament, He killed nations enslaved to sin.
In the New Testament, He kills the power of sin in our hearts.
In the Old Testament, judgment fell on the guilty.
In the New Testament, judgment fell on Christ, and freedom is offered to us.

The holiness that once brought death now brings life. This is how God can remain holy and good.

Practical Steps for Living Free

So how do we walk in freedom daily?

Confess honestly. Don’t hide sin—bring it into the light.
Renew your mind. Fill your thoughts with God’s Word instead of old lies.
Rely on the Spirit. Ask Him daily for strength to resist temptation.
Choose holiness. Say no to sin and yes to obedience in small choices.
Stay accountable. Walk with others who encourage your freedom.

Freedom is not automatic—it is lived out by trusting God’s Spirit and obeying His Word.

Why Transformation Proves God’s Goodness

Some people only see God as a Judge who kills. Others only see Him as a Savior who forgives. But transformation shows us the full picture: He is holy enough to judge, good enough to forgive, and powerful enough to change us.

If God only killed, we would despair. If He only forgave, we would stay stuck in sin. But because He transforms, we see His holiness and goodness working together. The God who killed in the Old Testament now kills sin’s power in His people.

Stories of Freedom in Scripture

The Bible gives us examples of lives transformed by God’s power:

Paul: Once a persecutor, now a preacher of grace.
Mary Magdalene: Delivered from seven demons, now devoted to Christ.
Peter: Once a coward who denied Jesus, later bold enough to die for Him.
The Corinthians: Once enslaved to sin, now called “washed, sanctified, justified” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
The early church: Former idolaters and outcasts, now holy temples of the Spirit.

These stories remind us: freedom is not theory—it is reality. God changes lives.

Why Freedom Requires Surrender

Freedom does not come from willpower—it comes from surrender. As long as we try to fight sin in our own strength, we will lose. But when we surrender to the Spirit, His power becomes ours.

Romans 6:11 says, “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” To break free, we must die to ourselves. That is why Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily” (Luke 9:23). Freedom requires surrender to a holy God.

Call-to-Action Summary

Forgiveness is only the beginning—God also gives freedom.
Sin is a power that enslaves, but Christ breaks its grip.
The Spirit within us provides victory over temptation.
Old Testament killings showed sin’s seriousness; New Testament freedom shows God’s power.
God’s holiness and goodness are revealed not only in judgment but in transformation.

Key Truth: The God who killed sin in judgment now kills sin’s power in us.

So let me ask you—will you live forgiven but enslaved, or forgiven and free? Will you see God’s holiness as cruelty, or as the power that now brings you life?

The killings of the Old Testament remind us sin destroys. The cross reminds us sin was judged. The Spirit reminds us sin’s power is broken. The God who judged is the God who transforms—and that is very good news.

Chapter 16 – Living in Mercy, Walking in Holiness

How to Live Daily in the Balance of Grace and Reverence

Why Experiencing God’s Mercy Calls Us to Live a Holy Life

The Call to Live Differently

After all we’ve learned about judgment, mercy, repentance, forgiveness, and freedom, one question remains: How do we live now? The answer is simple but challenging: we live in mercy, and we walk in holiness. These are not just religious words—they are the daily rhythm of life for anyone who knows the God who judges and saves.

To live in mercy means never forgetting what we were spared from. To walk in holiness means honoring God with every part of our lives. Both are essential if we want to know God truly and reflect His goodness to the world.

Why Mercy Shapes Our Daily Life

Mercy is not just something God shows once—it is renewed every day. Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”

Living in mercy means remembering that we deserved death, but God gave us life. It means living with gratitude, humility, and compassion toward others. If we forget mercy, we become proud. If we receive mercy daily, we stay humble and thankful.

Why Holiness Shapes Our Daily Walk

Holiness is not optional. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” To walk in holiness is to align our lives with God’s character—pure, set apart, and obedient.

In the Old Testament, God killed to show His people that holiness is serious. In the New Testament, He gives us His Spirit so we can live holy lives. Holiness is not about religious performance—it is about living in reverence before a God who is both Judge and Savior.

Scripture’s Witness to Mercy and Holiness

The Bible always pairs mercy with holiness:

• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
• “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
• “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).
• “Therefore, I urge you… offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).
• “Since we are receiving a kingdom… let us worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).

God’s mercy draws us in. God’s holiness calls us higher. Together, they define the life of a believer.

How Old Testament Killings Shape Our Lifestyle

The killings in the Old Testament were not written only as history. They were written as warnings. They remind us that sin leads to death, that holiness cannot be ignored, and that mercy is not to be taken lightly.

Living in mercy means recognizing we were spared the same judgment others faced. Walking in holiness means responding with obedience instead of arrogance. God kills in holiness, but He saves in mercy—and both truths shape how we live every day.

Practical Ways to Live in Mercy

So how do we live in mercy practically?

Remember daily. Thank God each morning for His mercy.
Show compassion. Extend mercy to others, even when they don’t deserve it.
Stay humble. Never forget that you were spared because of grace, not merit.
Pray often. Keep asking for mercy in times of weakness.
Worship deeply. Let gratitude for mercy fuel your praise.

Mercy is not just a truth—it is a lifestyle of constant gratitude.

Practical Ways to Walk in Holiness

Walking in holiness also requires intentional steps:

Separate from sin. Remove anything that draws you into rebellion.
Guard your heart. Protect what you allow into your mind and spirit.
Obey quickly. Respond to God’s Word without hesitation.
Depend on the Spirit. Trust His power, not your own willpower.
Live with reverence. Remember daily that God is holy, and He deserves awe.

Holiness is not achieved by effort—it is empowered by the Spirit. Our role is to walk in obedience.

Why Mercy and Holiness Must Go Together

Mercy without holiness leads to carelessness. Holiness without mercy leads to despair. But when mercy and holiness work together, we live in the fullness of God’s character.

The God who killed in the Old Testament reminds us to walk in holiness. The God who spared a remnant reminds us to live in mercy. Both truths are essential for knowing Him rightly. Without both, we distort who He is.

Examples from the Lives of Believers

The saints of old understood this balance:

David: Though judged for his sin, he lived with deep reverence and gratitude for mercy (Psalm 51).
Isaiah: Trembled at God’s holiness, yet rejoiced in cleansing (Isaiah 6).
Mary Magdalene: Forgiven much, she loved much, walking in devotion to Jesus (Luke 7:47).
Paul: Once a persecutor, now lived in humility and obedience, saying, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
The early church: They feared God’s holiness (Acts 5:11) but also lived in joy and mercy daily.

These lives show us what it means to live in mercy and walk in holiness.

Why This Proves God Is Holy and Good

If God only killed in judgment, He would be terrifying but not good. If He only forgave without holiness, He would be indulgent but not just. By calling us to live in mercy and holiness, He proves He is both holy and good.

The killings of the Old Testament show His holiness. The mercy we live in now shows His goodness. Together, they form the foundation of our relationship with Him.

Call-to-Action Summary

Living in mercy means daily gratitude and compassion.
Walking in holiness means daily reverence and obedience.
Old Testament killings remind us of sin’s seriousness.
Mercy and holiness together show God’s goodness.
The Christian life is not either/or—it is both.

Key Truth: The God who killed in holiness now calls us to live in mercy and walk in holiness.

So let me ask you—will you live in casualness, or in reverence? Will you take His mercy lightly, or let it fill you with gratitude? Will you treat holiness as optional, or walk in it daily?

The God who judges and saves has shown us His holiness through judgment and His goodness through mercy. To know Him truly, we must embrace both. To follow Him faithfully, we must live in mercy and walk in holiness.

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A Holy God Who Kills Book

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" When Scripture becomes part of your daily rhythm-even in small doses-transformation begins. "