October 2, 2005
IT IS GOD’S desire that everyone should escape eternal damnation and have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God says, “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? Of course not! I only want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.” (Ezekiel 18:23) God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) In fact according to the scripture the delay of the return of the Lord Jesus and the final judgment is related to this fact: “The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9)
We could also say he is giving us more time to tell people how they can be saved. God wants to partner with us to get this message of salvation out. People have all kinds of felt needs, things that trouble them, irritate them, frustrate them and cause them to suffer and experience pain. These adverse circumstances as we observe them are an opportunity for God to be glorified as we meet those needs through acts of kindness and calling on God for divine intervention. The kindness of God leads people to repentance. (Romans 2:4) Pre-believers can see this kindness in believers as well as in demonstrations of God’s power. As their felt needs are met they come to understand their need of a Saviour and we can introduce them to Jesus Christ. As they believe on the Lord they are saved and the desire of God is fulfilled.
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“There is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents.” (Luke 15:10)
This page was last updated on Saturday, October 1, 2005