The vessels are full, full of the wrath of God. Judgment, when it comes, is not half-hearted. Its long delay does not mean that when God finally acts, he holds back his wrath in any way. It is overwhelming judgment, so that those who receive it realise just how much they have offended the Lord. Did they mock his ability to restrain them? Now they will take back every word. How foolish are those who say that the wrath of God is a primitive Old Testament concept, which has no place in the more enlightened New Testament. How little they know God! His law and his hatred of sin are the starting point of his grace towards sinners. His grace is so wonderful just because it has found a way to answer the righteous requirements of the law. Grace does not turn a blind eye to sin. Christ had to absorb the very real anger of God towards sin. The Father poured out his anger against sin on the very one he loved most. That underlying antagonism to sin will also be seen at the last day towards the impenitent. It is the anger of he who lives forever and ever. Why is this stated except to show that his wrath is not over in a moment. It is not quickly exhausted. It is his settled indignation towards evil that will not change through eternity. Let the wicked not think that God’s pity will eventually prevail over his anger at what they are and have done. They are forever the objects of his wrath. For as long as he lives he will continue to punish them. God has become their implacable eternal enemy.