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
