Longsuffering Salvation

Faith in Jesus Christ ought to impact the outlook of Christians.  Though we trust in Jesus for eternal salvation, it does not follow we are trusting Him for the timing of the events of today.  We know God has created this earth and established the precise motion of the heavenly bodies and earth, yet unexpected traffic when running a couple minutes late can send us into a panic or frustration.  The seconds ticking away distract us from the God who dwells outside time and is never overwhelmed.

Since my early Christian days, I have heard many believers in moments of struggle or who look at "how bad" things in the world are, wonder along with the psalmist:  "LORD, how long?"  Those who look forward to a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells can be troubled by what they see on earth that provides no glimmer of hope.  Allow the words of Peter to give us some clarity if we echo this fervent cry for deliverance in 2 Peter 3:14-15:  "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; ¹⁵ and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you..."

While our LORD tarries, it is good to reminded the "longsuffering of our LORD is salvation."  Aren't you glad God is so patient and longsuffering that despite the wickedness in the world, He waited long enough for you and others to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Saviour?  For a long time we were apart from God, under condemnation and damnation, but in receiving the Gospel we are assured of eternal life and fellowship with God forever.  Every day that passes means many more people will hear and respond by faith to the good news of the Gospel.  Because no one can snatch us out of the hand of God who keeps us, we are safely kept and redeemed by God's grace for His glory.

There may be people who walk away from God for a season or permanently, but God ought not to blamed for apostate souls who have willfully divorced themselves from His saving grace freely offered to all.  I am and will be eternally grateful for the longsuffering nature of God, not only because I have benefitted greatly from it, but for all who will receive and know His goodness.  Let us be patient even if our suffering is long, for God has given us an example so we might follow in His steps.  As we look to Jesus we ought to be diligent to be found in peace, without spot and blameless.  Love suffers long and is kind, and may we retain the sweetness of God's grace when we could naturally be made bitter.