Posted by The Scripture says:
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9 NIV)
However, as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in a coming day. Noah preached a message of deliverance from the coming judgment of God. He maintained his testimony faithfully for 120 years, until the day that the flood came and engulfed the entire inhabited world in a cataclysmic deluge. But how many people believed that God would overwhelm mankind in judgment? How many took heed to God’s message of salvation as proclaimed by Noah, and entered into the ark? Eight individuals were saved — no more.
God Commands Repentance
God was not willing that any should perish in the days of Noah. However, for their violence, corruption and wickedness, all mankind did perish in the flood — excepting only those whom God brought into the ark. So it will be in a coming day. For their violence, corruption and wickedness, all mankind will perish — excepting only those whom God has called into fellowship with his Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Scripture says:
30 “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30,31 NIV)
Able To Save Completely
While time remains, however, God’s mercy will prevail. To all who repent and call upon his name, God promises forgiveness and life eternal. Lest anyone should think that he or she is too sinful to be accepted by a holy and righteous God, the Scripture says,
25 Therefore he is able to save completely {Or for ever} those who come to God through him [i.e., Christ], because he always lives to intercede for them. (Heb. 7:25 NIV; see also Isa. 1:18)
For it is by grace you have been saved…
By grace we have been saved — unto good works. (Eph. 2:10)
14 who [i.e., Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:14 NIV)
Let us, therefore, give God the glory by putting into practice the faith we profess. For faith that does not result in holiness of life, and in good works, is not saving faith.
By grace we have been saved — to be a sanctified people. Does our faith result in personal holiness of life?
By grace we have been saved — unto good works. Is our faith evidenced by works — works that glorify God and honour his Son?
EPH0208.DOC / HBA04 (6) / D2 pt.5 / 1982-2011 Gordon Lyons
Gordon Lyons 