This podcast covers Lesson 9 of Perspective Bible Study by Melanie Newton.
Gain the Biblical Perspective on God’s Justice and Mercy-S13Ep10
From our study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, it’s easy to become frightened by the descriptions of blazing fire, the day of the Lord, everlasting destruction, and the man of lawlessness. But, God’s promises of security and protection and comfort to us as believers in His Son are like a child’s blanket wrapped around us. We can feel safe and snug in Him.
God offers that same blanket of protection to every human on the face of this planet. But, a time comes when those who refuse His protection will get to live out the choice they have made. That is so evidently clear in 2 Thessalonians chapter 1.
Warnings to those who refuse God’s grace
Our God is just. To be just means that you are always doing what is morally right and fair. Our God always acts with justice. It is the natural expression of His holiness. Remember we said that God’s holiness always sets Him apart from anything that is sinful or evil. The Bible says that God hates sin and has declared that sin is wrong and must be punished by death. Jesus paid the penalty for sin that God’s justice demands. The gospel offers salvation from this penalty to everyone who trusts in Him for their salvation.
Sadly, many refuse God’s gracious offer. Those who reject Christ will, in turn, experience God’s rejection and the loss of everything worthwhile in life.
“They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
God makes His offer of amnesty to all humans so easy. Just believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Yet, human arrogance and independence prefers to turn away from the enormous treasure they would have in Jesus Christ. It is their choice. Romans 1:18-23
God has done everything possible to communicate to every human that He exists and loves them. The Gospel is the Lord’s message of hope and salvation. The only stipulation is that you must personally accept the message through faith in Jesus Christ.
Security for those who accept God’s grace
The good news for all believers is that we are saved from God’s wrath by our faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9
That’s God’s mercy. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Our sin was awful. We deserved death. But, God’s mercy was greater. We receive a complete pardon and life by faith in Jesus Christ. We have nothing to fear in our future. When the terrible day of the Lord begins, we who know the Lord now will not experience it. We will have been rescued ahead of time. Jesus made that promise to us. Wrap yourself up in that blanket. Stop fretting over the end times.
But, we will get to see that day when Jesus Christ returns to earth with His powerful angels to enact justice on an unbelieving rebellious world. We’ll be with Him at that time. It will be glorious. Absolutely glorious. 2 Thessalonians 1:10
Everything you have imagined about Jesus the King coming to defeat all His enemies and truly reign over planet Earth will come to pass. You and I will see it. We are the holy people who will be with Him, marveling at King Jesus in His glory and might. Revelation 19:11-21 describe this event. We are part of His army of heaven (v. 14) as He returns, wearing the armor of God, and we will be part of His reign over planet Earth.
In light of this glorious future, knowing that so many are still unsaved, we need to be light-bearers to those around us who don’t know Him.
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Pray this for yourself.
- With this in mind—Consider the terrible destiny for those who do not know God and refuse to accept the Gospel message. Be an intentional light-bearer to them. It’s not a time for idleness, just waiting for Jesus to come. It’s a time for deliberate action prompted by love.
- With this in mind—Consider the glorious destiny for those who know God and have accepted His Gospel message. Desire goodness and deeds prompted by faith so that your life pleases God. Why not? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Let Jesus satisfy your heart with His perspective on life in the present and in the future. Then, live securely in Him during this time of waiting.
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