Are We Past That Fire-and-Brimstone, Puritanical Stuff?

From The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung:

• I can't count the number of times I've talked to Christians, not to mention non-Christians, who balk at the thought of God's wrath. 
• "Sinners in the hands of an angry God?" they scoff.  
• "We're past that fire-and-brimstone, puritanical stuff.  
• The God I believe in is a God of love."

From The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 4

Q. But is God not also merciful? 

A. God is indeed merciful, 

• But He is also just. 
•  His justice requires that sin committed against the most high majesty of God also be punished with the most severe, 
• that is, with everlasting, punishment of body and soul.

For the Bible Tells Me So...

• Exodus 20:6 …but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
• Psalm 5:4-6 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
• Hebrews 10:30,31 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
• Matthew 25:45,46 Then He will answer them, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.  And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

From The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung:

• God's mercy exhibits its full power and sweetness when we see it not merely as general goodwill to all people, 
• but as the means by which God's people are rescued, in Christ,
• from their just wrath and condemnation.