The Glorious Scheme of Redemption
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” If there is one passage that sums up the glorious scheme of redemption it would be Luke 5:32 where Jesus said, What God desires most is for mankind to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4). With each passing day God demonstrates His patience and “longsuffering to usward.” What more could He do to prove that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2Pet. 3:9)? While some picture God as a mean, tyrant judge who is eager to punish, the Bible teaches differently. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel33:11). While it is true that, because of His holy and just nature, God must punish the wicked (Ps. 89:14, Nahum 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:7-\9). It is also true that He takes no pleasure in doing so. Our Creator has declared that He would see us come to repentance as He has commanded (Acts 17:30). God is listening. He is waiting for His creation, which He made in His own image, to repent, “I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle” (Jer. 8:6). One of saddest truths in the Scriptures is that many will refuse to repent and thus be eternally lost. Let each of us take heed to Jesus’ warning, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Lk. 13:3). God still calls us to obey Him that we might go to heaven. Are you following Him?
Dan Manuel