Divine Payback

Aim: To recognize the absolute reality of divine justice (and to find shelter in Jesus' blood atonement).

Doctrine: All sin is perfectly accounted for and rectified by Almighty God—sometimes in unatoned for justice (Hell), sometimes in amazing mercy (Christ).

Exegesis: How divine payback works in this world: unrepentant persecutors of Christ's Church have curses on them (v. 14); delayed judgment tries the Church's patience and faith (v. 15); love covers sin (in the Church's sincere believers) (v. 16).

Further application: how to be on the grace side of divine payback: trust entirely in Christ's righteousness (for your own), and rest in the sure and final exercise of God's justice.

Key verse: v. 16 ''At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.''