“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” – Isaiah 55:6-7
Chapter 55 speaks very directly to an invitation of eternal value. It is an invitation to the Lord’s Salvation. Statements like “Is anyone thirsty, come and drink – even if you have no money! … it’s all free!” and “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.” It speaks of salvation, of the complete forgiveness of all one’s sins. It is prophetic. It has taken place and will continue to take place until the final trumpet sounds. Forgiveness for the asking, resulting in a changed life.
The above verse 6 tells men to seek God while he may be found, while he is near. It isn’t the Lord who moves away, but man who often moves away from him by erecting barriers of sin between God and us. These words in chapter 55 encourage all men to make things right with the Creator of all things before he comes to judge the earth. Then it will be too late.
No one can know the mind of God unless he reveals his thoughts to you. The Jews foolishly thought they knew what the Lord was thinking and planning and as a result stubbed its collective toe regularly. No one can squeeze God into his or her own mold. His ways are mysterious and do not line up with our own way of thinking. What we must do is strive to fit into his plans. His plans are meant to prosper all his children even as their soul prospers (3 John 1:2).
For those who reject the existence of one true God, they will one day face the harsh reality of their mistake. The truth is that if there is no God man will die never having another conscious thought, so he will never know if there is no God. However, if there IS one true God and Creator of all things, man will know it for all eternity because he will not stay dead but rise up to face the White Throne Judgment of Almighty God. My understanding is that is for all who do not know Christ. Those who are children of the Most High God will stand before the Bema or Mercy Seat of Christ where they will give an account of all they have done on behalf of the Lord. Take advantage of God’s forgiveness while it is still available to you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
“The judgment seat of Christ does not determine salvation; that was determined by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All of our sins are forgiven, and we will never be condemned for them (Romans 8:1). We should not look at the judgment seat of Christ as God judging our sins, but rather as God rewarding us for our lives. Yes, as the Bible says, we will have to give an account of ourselves. Part of this is surely answering for the sins we committed. However, that is not going to be the primary focus of the judgment seat of Christ.” - https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment-seat-Christ.html
* The study of the final judgments is for another time.
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