Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
2 Peter 3:9
3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Boundary of Divine Forbearance—
God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish; but His forbearance has a limit, and when the boundary is past, there is no second probation. His wrath will go forth and He will destroy without remedy. {7BC 946.5}
When men, being in power, oppress and spoil their fellow men, and no earthly tribunal can be found to do justice, God will interpose in behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. He will punish for every act of oppression. No earthly wisdom can secure wrongdoers against the judgments of heaven. And when men put their trust in earthly powers instead of their Maker, when they become lifted up in pride and self-confidence, God will in His own time make them to be despised (Letter 122, 1900). {7BC 946.6}
God is so very patient with His children. However, there is a point of no return for those who continue to live in sin without any remorse or repentance. God will knock on the door to their hearts and they do not answer. Their sins grieve away the Holy Spirit and they are lost forever, even while they are yet living. Everyone must work out his or her own salvation with fear and trembling. God calls all to come to Him, confess and repent of their sins that they may not perish but have everlasting life. There is no repentance in the grave; today is the day to surrender your life to Christ Jesus.
Dear heavenly Father,
We come to You today in prayer and ask for Your forgiveness. We are sinners and are sorry we have ever sinned against You. We confess and repent of our sins. Please forgive us of all our sins, from the beginning until now, the known and the unknown, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to lead us and guide us and keep us on the safe path that leads to Your heavenly kingdom. We pray that You continue to help us overcome sin, always giving us a way out. Save us dear Lord, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
