74 God’s Judgment and Chastisement Are to Save Man
Chorus
Righteous judgment purifies men,
heartless refinement cleanses them;
God’s harsh words and chastening
purity and salvation bring.
Verse 1
God has come to work on earth
so as to save corrupt mankind;
He would never have come to do
His work in person otherwise.
In the past, the way He saved men
showed His utmost love and mercy;
He gave all of Himself to Satan
in exchange for the whole of humanity.
Verse 2
The present is unlike the past:
Salvation you gain at this time
happens during the last days,
at the time when all are classified,
each according to their kind;
you aren’t saved by compassion or love,
but by judgment and chastisement,
so man’s salvation may be more thorough.
Pre-chorus 1
So, all that you get is judgment, chastisement,
but know that, in this merciless smiting,
He does not wish to punish you.
Regardless how harsh God’s words might be,
no matter how heartless they may seem,
He does not wish to hurt or kill you.
However angry God might be,
the words He speaks are words of teaching,
Chorus
Righteous judgment purifies men,
heartless refinement cleanses them;
God’s harsh words and chastening
purity and salvation bring.
Verse 3
When you face chastisement and judgment,
what else do you have to say?
From its start until its conclusion,
haven’t you always enjoyed salvation?
You’ve seen God incarnate and recognized
that He is wise and almighty.
You’ve felt His discipline and smiting.
You’ve also received His grace supreme.
Pre-chorus 2
Aren’t your blessings greater than anyone’s?
Your graces are richer than Solomon’s!
If God didn’t come to save you, would you still live?
If His only goal was your punishment,
then why become flesh, launch this enterprise?
Could not mortals with one word be punished?
Would He need to destroy you having condemned you?
Don’t you believe Him? Do His words not convince you?
Chorus
Righteous judgment purifies men,
heartless refinement cleanses them;
God’s harsh words and chastening
purity and salvation bring.
Adapted from The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. You Should Put Aside the Blessings of Status and Understand God’s Will to Bring Salvation to Man