AM Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6.16-19

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

The Fallacy of

“Unconditional Love”

Introduction:

1. It is often stated that “God hates sin but loves sinners” – often followed by, “God loves us unconditionally!”
   1. If God didn’t love sinners, He would love no one, “for all have sinned…” (Rom. 3.23).
   2. God’s love is undeniable. (Rom. 5.6-8)
2. However, the two Greek words for “love” (agapao & phileo) do not inherently infer a lack of conditions. In His love for humanity indeed God sent His Son, but His love does not negate conditions. (John 3.16-21)
3. Even though God loves sinners, we must not mistakenly believe that God will “unconditionally” love us by overlooking sin!

“THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDES ON HIM”

1. John the baptist said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3.36).
2. God’s wrath is toward wicked people who turn against Him! (Psa. 5.5; 11.5-6; Prov. 6.16-19; Rom. 1.18; 2.5-11)

“I WILL LOVE THEM NO MORE”

1. Judah had become so wicked that God gave up on them and said, “I will love them no more” (Hosea 9.15).
   1. The impenitent: “He gave them up…” (Rom. 1.21-32).
   2. Those who deliberately sin. (Heb. 10.26-27)
2. God is longsuffering, but if sinners will not repent, they will perish! (2 Pet. 3.9)

“KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD”

1. Jude wrote, “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (Jude 21).
2. Jesus told us how to “abide in His love,” and it is always conditional! (John 15.9-10; John 14.15; 1 John 5.3)

Conclusion: The “unconditional love” philosophy has been sadly propagated and has deceived many – giving them false security!