Time Sensitive: Court Summons for Salvation

M
ost people misconstrue God's intentions. They frequently ask questions such as: Why did God create hell, a place where humans will suffer everlasting torment? Why did He create the tree of good and evil, which would lead humans to commit sin? And why does He not immediately judge Satan, who leads humans astray? If God had not provided salvation without cost, requiring no action from humans, then such accusations would be warranted. But God has already offered salvation at no cost and with no merit from humans. Despite this, people refuse to fully accept or understand this gift.

The Bible reveals God's compassion and mercy towards mankind: "God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4). You are also among those individuals, so God wants you to be saved. Do you want to be saved? Peter expressed a similar sentiment, saying, "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." (2 Peter 3:9).

People argue they are too young, not strong enough, or have too much to do to think about salvation. However, God is not slow concerning His promise; He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance. How does He display this patience? He gives people time before their lives end, allowing them to repent. Despite being granted the opportunity to draw closer to God during times of hardship and illness, people often fail to pay heed or comprehend their situation. Instead of seeking God's guidance, they drift even farther away from Him.

God not delighted in death of the wicked

It is common for people to believe that God would be happy with the death of the wicked.. However, the Lord Almighty says: "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live." (Ezekiel 33:11). Because of this intention of God,  you are urged to follow the path of life rather than the path of evil. Again, the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 30 “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! (Ezekiel 18:29-32). Jesus also said this way, "I have given you the opportunity to repent, but he has no desire to turn from his wickedness." (Romans 2:21). 

If you are someone who does not wish to repent, consider why you desire death. 

Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. (Romans 2:4-11).

The Love of God

Jesus said, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17). God does not desire for you to descend into the lake of fire, which represents destruction. Instead, He wants you to enter heaven, the realm of eternal life. Jesus did not come to condemn you; His purpose was to save you. Do not be foolish or misunderstand God's intentions. He has already provided salvation for you, but you must accept this gift by faith.

A Court Summons in Place

Everyone dreads receiving a court summons from the court. It is an important order that cannot be ignored and must be addressed as scheduled. Preparing for a court summons is essential; there can be no valid excuses for not appearing. In contrast, the heavenly court offers a more favorable summons: “Come now, let us settle the matter,”  says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet,  they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,  they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18).

How unwise it would be not to respond to such a gracious summons? This summons pertains to every individual on Earth, and it invites you to take action. The Bible does not explain why human sins are like scarlet red; scarlet red probably symbolizes the staining of blood. God simply asserts that despite their crimson appearance, they will become white as snow. Snow is notably clean and pure, symbolizing the Lord's ability to purify you from your sins. Why would you then ignore God's call and pay it no heed? This summons signifies an opportunity while you are alive. After death, even if filled with regret, it will be too late.

The criptures said, "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7).The time to seek and find Him is now, which is during your lifetime. When physical life ends, the opportunity to pursue God ceases. Scriptures also say, "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." (Hebbrews 9:27). You never know when or how you will die; it could happen at any time. After death, judgment takes place. This judgment is the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), after which salvation becomes impossible. Therefore, this present moment represents the most favorable opportunity to draw near to God. Do not listen to the devil who's tempting you to say, "I'll do it later." Seek God as quickly as possible. You can do so by praying to God in this manner:

Father God, I am grateful that you love me and through your Son Jesus, you have forgiven my sins. I praise you for allowing your Son to die in my place. I thank you very much for making my sins whiter than snow. Lord Jesus, I open the door of my heart, please come. I believe that you will come according to your promise. Rule over my life according to your will. Amen.

 

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