Purpose of Punishment

[JonC]

This thread is addressing a simple question, so I understand over time it will spread to other topics. The key is "over time".

On another thread concerning PSA I asked what the purpose was for God's punishment against the wicked (that punishment we escape in Christ).

For those unaware of the topic - it is a given that God is holy and that God will punish the wicked.

So what does God's punishment, His wrath against the wicked, accomolish (what is its purpose)?

 

[JonC]

Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is a Hebrew word for peace, but it signifies more than the absence of conflict. Shalom embodies wholeness and completeness with the character and nature of God in view (God's righteousness).

In ancient Hebrew thought, the purpose of justice was to create a whole, righteous society (Shalom) by upholding God's righteousness.

Pursuing justice is to pursue God's righteousness, this state absent unrighteousness.

The goal of punishment towards those who are in Christ is discipline (correction). Discipline corrects those who are being made righteous, who are being conformed into the image of Christ. This person progressively dies to unrighteousness and is made alive because of righteousness.

The goal of God punishing the wicked is also righteousness. This punishment is described as the wicked being cast out. In Deuteronomy God commands punishment for violations of the Law in order to cast evil out from Israel.

Those of us being saved are cleansed of unrighteousness. The wicked will be cast out as mankind will be cleansed of unrighteousness.