God Is Not Out To Get You

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

So, I’ve said it before but I will say it again: He is not out to get you.

God Is Not Out To Get Us... He Loves Us!

At our Bible study, last night, some of the discussion which occurred reminded me of an important truth about God. The truth is: God is not trying to hide from us; He is not trying to keep us from knowing Him; He is not trying to make it difficult for people to experience salvation in Him.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus makes it clear that He wants us to experience His grace and mercy. It is His desire that we come to know life in Him.

According to the Bible He wants all people to be saved. Check out this verse: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

You might think, “Well this is obvious, isn’t it?”

Yes, in a way, this is obvious. Except that in the world of religion there can sometimes be a tendency to complicate things.

I realize this is odd, but sometimes the truths of God are communicated in such a way that a person could get the impression God is actually out to get us. Based on what they have heard, some people wonder if maybe God is gleefully rubbing his hands together and looking for some technicality which will lead Him to withhold His love, grace and forgiveness from us.

This “God-who-is-out-to-get-us” impression is incorrect. In fact, it bothers me. God loves us. Going to extraordinary lengths, He did everything that needed to be done in order for us to come into relationship with Him.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s preference is not that we are lost so that He can…

“Finally get to dish out the punishment you no-good punks deserve!”

His preference is that we walk with Him, know Him and find life in Him.

“[God] …is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

I'm Glad God Is Patient

Over and over again, the Bible describes God as patient.  This is good news for you and me.  In the book of 2 Peter chapter 3, vs. 9, the Bible says, about God, “…He is patient for your sake.  He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”  I am thankful today, for a God who is loving and gracious and VERY patient with someone like me!