The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
The Lord keeps safe all who love Him. All the wicked will be destroyed. They will not be brought to heaven to live on as holy, happy angels. That end reveals God's character and His method of dealing with sin.
Their destruction is an act of divine retributive justice. It is the exercise of the power and authority of the divine government to put down rebellion. Every such manifestation of retributive justice is perfectly consistent with God as merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. He forgives iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clears the guilty.
The Lord keeps safe all who love Him. All the wicked will be destroyed. They will not be brought to heaven to live on as holy, happy angels. That end reveals God's character and His method of dealing with sin.
Their destruction is an act of divine retributive justice. It is the exercise of the power and authority of the divine government to put down rebellion. Every such manifestation of retributive justice is perfectly consistent with God as merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. He forgives iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clears the guilty.