Genesis 6:5-6
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
This was the condition of the world in Noah's day. Approximately 1500 years after sin entered the world, the entire world was wicked and depraved. Just 1500 years. That's not that long. Just 1500 years and out of millions of people in the world only 8 were still faithful to God. God had given them 120 years to repent and turn back to him, but when the time was up only those original 8 people walked on to the ark. Despite Noah's best efforts, after 120 years of preaching and the construction of that massive boat in the dessert, no one repented and turned back to God. How would you like those results after 120 years of ministry?
The reality is that our world today is not much different. Sin and wickedness are celebrated. Rebelling against God is cool. We are surrounded by wickedness, both in our communities and in the media we purposely stream into our homes. Sins that are celebrated in American society are: Sexual sins (pornography, homosexuality, marital infidelity), Slandering and disrespecting authority, Violence (rioting, looting, and murder), Corruption within the government agencies, Divorce (murdering families), Abortions (murdering children), Human trafficking, etc. Describe any kind of wickedness and evil, and it is celebrated in America, even if only in certain circles. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.- Romans 1:18-20
In Noah's day, God judged the world with water and saved his elect in the ark. In the last days, God will judge the world with fire and will save his elect through his Son, Jesus Christ, our Ark of Salvation. God's great power is displayed in his mercy. Even though we are all born enemies of him, he has forgiven every sin through the blood of Jesus. Jesus took the punishment for every sin, even for those who hate him and die in their rejection of him. God is just, but he is also merciful. He loves everyone and doesn't want anyone to perish.
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's Word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
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. 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 in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will 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 new earth, the home of righteousness.
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.- 2 Peter 3:3-15
God bless
Jason Fredrick
No comments:
Post a Comment