Discovering the True Nature of God's Goodness
Joshua 21:45
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
Oh, the goodness of God! Yet, as good as He is, I'm afraid that the majority of the religious world today views God more as a harsh disciplinarian than a loving Father! They really believe that His primary role is to see just how miserable He can make their lives because of their sins! It seems to me that God gets a whole lot more credit in the world for all the "bad" things happening than He ever does for the good! No wonder this world is not attracted to Him! We've given them the wrong impression of Him!
Now, don't misunderstand what I'm saying. God is the judge, and He WILL judge the sinner who has not trusted Christ as Savior, and they WILL spend an eternity in Hell without Christ, should they not do so! God also disciplines (chastens) His children when we step out of line! No doubt all of this is true! However, we need not ONLY focus on these truths about God when we are presenting Him to a lost and dying world, or when we're teaching about Him to His beloved flock!
Jesus said in John 3:17, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Notice that His emphasis is on salvation, not condemnation! Romans 2:4 says, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" According to this verse, it's not the wrath of God that leads men to repentance, but it's His goodness! That's what Grace is all about; God being better to us than we deserve!
We deserve Hell, but God sent His only Son to die on an old rugged cross, so that with His precious blood He could redeem us from our sinful state! Glory to God for His matchless Grace! We need not look at God just as a judge, but also as a Savior! Oh sinner, know this; today you have an opportunity while there's time and while there's hope to receive forgiveness for your sins, get saved from Hell fire, and to start a brand new life in Christ! God does not desire to condemn you, but to save you! However, you must accept His free gift of salvation! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
Oh, the goodness of God! Yet, as good as He is, I'm afraid that the majority of the religious world today views God more as a harsh disciplinarian than a loving Father! They really believe that His primary role is to see just how miserable He can make their lives because of their sins! It seems to me that God gets a whole lot more credit in the world for all the "bad" things happening than He ever does for the good! No wonder this world is not attracted to Him! We've given them the wrong impression of Him!
Now, don't misunderstand what I'm saying. God is the judge, and He WILL judge the sinner who has not trusted Christ as Savior, and they WILL spend an eternity in Hell without Christ, should they not do so! God also disciplines (chastens) His children when we step out of line! No doubt all of this is true! However, we need not ONLY focus on these truths about God when we are presenting Him to a lost and dying world, or when we're teaching about Him to His beloved flock!
Jesus said in John 3:17, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Notice that His emphasis is on salvation, not condemnation! Romans 2:4 says, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" According to this verse, it's not the wrath of God that leads men to repentance, but it's His goodness! That's what Grace is all about; God being better to us than we deserve!
We deserve Hell, but God sent His only Son to die on an old rugged cross, so that with His precious blood He could redeem us from our sinful state! Glory to God for His matchless Grace! We need not look at God just as a judge, but also as a Savior! Oh sinner, know this; today you have an opportunity while there's time and while there's hope to receive forgiveness for your sins, get saved from Hell fire, and to start a brand new life in Christ! God does not desire to condemn you, but to save you! However, you must accept His free gift of salvation! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill