Spiritual Adultery and the Wrath of God

What happens when the God of wrath and the God of mercy turns out to be the same God?

Preaching from Hosea 4 and the wider message of the prophet, Pastor Todd explores how the Minor Prophets reveal both the wrath and mercy of God. The sermon begins with Hebrews 10, reminding us that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,” and contrasts two modern views of divine wrath: one that sees only destruction, and another that denies wrath altogether. Hosea, however, holds wrath and mercy together as expressions of God’s covenant love.

Hosea’s marriage to an unfaithful wife becomes God’s living parable of Israel’s spiritual adultery. The prophet’s children—named “God Scatters,” “No Mercy,” and “Not My People”—announce judgment, yet even in those names God begins to speak mercy: “You will be my people, and I will be your God.” Chapter 4 exposes why God is angry—“no faithfulness, no steadfast love, no knowledge of God in the land.” Israel has broken covenant, rejected His commandments, and turned to idols. God’s wrath is seen as He removes blessing, protection, and even His presence.

Yet Hosea’s message carries redemptive hope: “He has torn us, that He may heal us.” God disciplines so His people will return, love, and know Him again. The sermon concludes by showing how Hebrews 10 and Romans 5 echo Hosea’s warning—God’s wrath is real, but Christ has borne it for us. Those who mock His mercy by living in unrepentant sin profane the blood of the covenant, but those who repent find mercy that restores.

Scripture: Hosea 4.1-3

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: November 2, 2025