Unlike other gods, the Christian God is not an unmerciful hitman. He is compassionate towards sinners. And knowing the weakness of men, He does not immediately strike his rod of judgement on the wicked and sinners since his will is for them to recognise their sins and come to repentance. The language of God is, “Let us give him time to turn away from his iniquity.” But for how long will he suffer the wicked to turn back and sinners to repent?
Time of Grace
God has opened for every man on earth a door of grace; he has also appointed us a set time of grace. God’s expectation is that men will repent of their sins and be converted and saved by his grace within the span of this time. This expectation is backed by the call of Christ until the time of grace has fully elapsed. And God would reassure himself that he has given man enough time to escape his fierce judgement, enough time to choose to live or to die.
And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. (Revelations 2:21, NKJV).
There was a certain woman who lived in immorality and refused to turn within her time of grace. The Lord had given her time to repent until the time allotted to her was over and judgement followed. She would be cast into a sickbed with all those who committed adultery with her. Then her children were also to die. Take note that her judgement was not because of her sins but because she refused her mercy and did not repent within the time set for her to turn away from sin.
Why the Lord is longsuffering towards sinners; why he gives them enough time
The Lord is longsuffering in his wait for the sinner to turn to him because of the future of those who refuse his grace. Not that the Lord is slack towards his promise as some men count slackness, but He is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9). And since the Lord is not interested in the destruction of the wicked, as it is written in (Ezekiel 33:11), it becomes expedient for Him to give sinners time to escape his fierce anger and eternal suffering prepared for the devil and his angels.
Hell, as the Bible has stated, is going to burn with brimstone (Psalm 11:6, Revelation 21:8). This relates to a boiling lava fire. The Bible also tells us that there are undying worms in hell (Mark 9:48, Isaiah 14:11). The worms in hell are not there to eat up the flesh of men but to torment them by boring into their flesh and bones. The Bible calls it a place of torment, an outer darkness where men will gnash their teeth because of the affliction therein. And the worst of the sufferings of hell is that none who descends into it will ever come out, says the Lord.
No one can bear fire, no one can bear worms tormenting his/her flesh, and no one can bear to stay this way forever. Thus, the Lord knows the future awaiting the sinner; he knows the destination of the wicked, Satanists, witches, fornicators, homosexuals, and all who reject their mercy and grace. This is why the Lord is willing to be patient with men. This is also why the righteous may die early, but God grants sinners years. He wants to give them enough time to escape what awaits them.
The Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15) But for the wicked, it is said, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.“ (2 Peter 3:9).
Now if it is true that God has no interest that any should perish, he will not be quick to remove the wicked but will ensure that the unrighteous hears his calling and warning as many times as possible until he is inexcusable.
It is also written in Genesis 6:3, “My spirit will not always strive with man.” The meaning of this verse is that one day God will put an end to his wait for man; one day man will cease to hear the gospel of repentance grace. Then the angels shall preach to him, saying, ‘Come ye to judgment.’ For it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement (Hebrews 9:27).
Who has this message?
This message was first addressed to a church woman who perhaps hopped on the grace of God as a means to live immorally. Similarly, there are many sinners, wicked men and women who are in church today doing all sorts of immoral things that displease God. Know that God’s patience with you is because he wants to give you enough chance to escape the inevitable destruction of sinners. Consider your time of grace and repent.
“The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has seized the hypocrites: “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” (Isaiah 33:14)
The second group to whom this message relates are sinners outside Zion. Consider how often you have heard the gospel and have chosen to ignore the call of Christ. Consider how long God has been patiently waiting for you; consider that God will not wait forever; consider your time; consider your end, and choose life.
