What event in the Bible does the story of Sodom and Gomorrah point to?

• The story of Sodom and Gomorrah points to the final judgment, where Jesus will return in glory to judge the world and save His people. This event is depicted with vivid imagery, including Jesus returning on a white horse and extreme weather symbolizing the final judgment. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment to come, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and God’s patient warnings before executing judgment.

Who are the three men that visit Abraham’s house, and what is their significance?

• Initially appearing as three men, it is later revealed that two of them are angels, and one is the Lord disguised as a man. These visitors play a crucial role in the narrative, as they are sent by God to assess the sinfulness of Sodom and Gomorrah. Their presence symbolizes God’s direct involvement in human affairs and His willingness to reveal His plans to His chosen servants, such as Abraham.

How does Abraham intercede for the city of Sodom and Gomorrah?

• Upon learning of God’s intention to judge the cities, Abraham pleads with the Lord to spare them if righteous people are found within. He engages in a dialogue with God, progressively lowering the threshold of righteous individuals required to spare the cities from destruction. Abraham’s intercession demonstrates his concern for his nephew Lot and the inhabitants of the cities, highlighting his compassion and desire for mercy.

What happens when the angels arrive in Sodom, and how do the people react?

• When the angels arrive in Sodom, Lot welcomes them into his home, recognizing their divine nature. However, the people of Sodom demonstrate their wickedness by demanding that Lot surrender the visitors to them for their sinful desires. Despite God striking them with blindness as a warning, the people persist in their pursuit of sin, illustrating their moral depravity and refusal to repent.

What fate befalls Lot’s wife, and what lesson does her experience teach?

• Lot’s wife disobeys the angels’ command not to look back at the city as they flee, resulting in her transformation into a pillar of salt. Her fate serves as a warning against the temptation to cling to the sinful past and emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God’s guidance. It underscores the need to move forward in faith, leaving behind the allure of worldly desires and attachments.

How does the story of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrate God’s patience and judgment?

• The story of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases God’s patience in warning the cities of impending judgment and giving them an opportunity to repent. Despite God’s gracious warnings and the intercession of Abraham and Lot, the cities persist in their wickedness, leading to their ultimate destruction. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of God’s righteous judgment against sin and His patience in extending opportunities for repentance before executing judgment.