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On July 8, 1741, Jonathan Edwards in Enfield Connecticut preached the message, “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God.” It marked the beginning of what’s called “The First Great Awakening.” He spoke of the terrors of hell that await those who refuse the grace of God through believing in Christ Jesus, of how only the mercy of God keeps a sinner from immediately experiencing the wrath of God and being tossed into hell. Eternally.
Many times people interrupted him crying out, “What must I do to be saved?” We know the answer my friend, at least I hope you do. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” – Acts 16:31. God has placed the punishment for our sins upon Jesus; therefore He will not punish those who believe upon Jesus as their Savior. It simply would not be just.
The sermon had great effect upon those who trusted in themselves, in their good deeds, in their self-righteousness. If you are trusting in those things today, you may do well to listen to Edward’s sermon soon, while you still have the breath of life.
There is a powerful verse found in Romans 2:4 that expresses a similar thought, with emphasis upon God rather than our wickedness. It reads, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
Paul is writing to people who think that because they are better morally than many people, that they can be good enough to earn a right standing with God. Such a person presumes upon the goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering of God, which all should bring them into a humble repentance instead of an attitude of superiority.
Paul writes of God’s Goodness and Kindness because He has not judged us yet although we deserve it. His Forbearance means He has been holding back His judgment against us. And God is Longsuffering for knows what sins we will commit in the future, yet He holds back His judgment.
Considering all this, it is no surprise that Paul describes these aspects of God’s kindness to us as God’s riches. Strangely, these riches of God’s goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering are despised by many.
They are presuming upon God’s grace — friend, I trust YOU are not a person of such presumption!! No one deserves the grace of God.
God’s purpose in all this goodness is to lead us to repentance. Wise men and women see the riches of God’s forbearance and longsuffering and come to a place of faith and repentance. The foolish go on presuming that God will forever hold back His judgment.
Are you waiting for God to drive you to repentance? Waiting for a Jonathan Edward’s sermon? No. He is LEADING you to repentance. Don’t despise the riches of His goodness to you. Repent. Believe upon Jesus —and COME ALIVE!
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