The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 AMP
Peter lays down a marker for God's ways of dealing with man. In today's extract are 2 things: a loving message and a dire warning. We usually claim that God is a God of love, which is true, but we conveniently ignore the fact that He is also a God of judgement. This is the balanced diet of scripture, and we will do well to heed the message before us today.
Right from creation, the wages of sin has always been death and till today, it remains so. God has provided a means of escape from sin, and it is by the blood of His Son Jesus. To all who come to God through the blood, they receive the sanctification and justification required for a new lease of life. And of course, in that same message of love is the warning that if I reject Him, I cannot turn around and blame him for the resultant consequences.
And that's the essence of today's extract: God already promises judgment for all who reject Him. Because it appears that evil thrives and pays well, men do not seem to take the warning to heart. Unfortunately, when the owner of life makes a demand for it, it is too late to change the consequences of your choice. I must not interpret God's patience for foolishness or complacency, and I must not take his silence for acquiescence.
It is His desire that all men repent and turn to Him. It is His desire that all men take full advantage of the love He has provided in full measure. Think of this: if such a high price was paid for the redemption of man, think of the consequences of rejecting that price. Eternity awaits your decision and allegiance. His time of favour is here.
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