“…the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 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. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”- 2 Peter 3:7-13
God’s loving kindness is directed to those who have been grafted into his family (both Jews & gentiles alike). This is not so with those outside the family. God is clear, “The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.” [Proverbs 11:21] It is stated clearly up above … God wants no one to perish; however, those who ignore the warnings of his return and continue to live a life unto themselves and not to please God, will have to pay the price for their own sins. It doesn’t have to be that way, but man’s incredible ignorance and failure to investigate that which they may not understand will be their undoing. You see, God sends no one to hell; they go all on their own.
Scripture is clear, a payment must be made for our own sin. Colossians 2:13-14 … “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Christ paid the required price. You are in debt no more. God’s kindness is illustrated by his willingness to wait until the last possible minute so that all who would receive the gift of salvation are able to. Psalm 5:4-6 says … “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil can dwell with You. The boastful will not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do injustice. You destroy those who speak lies; The Lord loathes the person of bloodshed and deceit.”
Make sure your life is right with God. He’s not the “man upstairs”, he is a holy, righteous God who created you knowing you would turn away from him. Christ is the bridge back to God. Don’t burn that bridge. Run over it to freedom for all eternity. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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