I had an informal discussion with a couple of people
recently and in response to their concerns about spiritual matters I felt
compelled to say something I have said many times. Even though I have said this
many times, however, it seems necessary to repeat this truth again and again
because there is a persistent misunderstanding with which many people seem to
wrestle. The truth is: God is not out to get people.
Some people have gotten the impression that because
God is a being of perfect justice this truth about His nature, in some way,
indicates He actually wants to deliver punishment. The idea comes across like
this: “God is watching our every move just hoping we mess up. He can’t wait for
us to make a mistake and fall into sin. He loves it when this happens because
then He can happily swoop in to deliver the severe justice no-good hooligans
like us so richly deserve!”
[ Did you notice I used the word “hooligans” instead
of “punks?” I’m expanding my vocabulary. ]
It is true He is a God of justice, however, He is
also a patient God who is loving, merciful and gracious. We have assurance from
His word that His desire is no one would perish.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as
some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to
perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
God is not out to get us. He loves us. He wants us
to enter into life with Him.
This is the most often quoted Bible verse because
the truth it proclaims is so important and so vital: “For God so loved the
world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
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