Day: October 24, 2024

Thursday, October 24, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

It is only because of God’s goodness (not man’s “goodness”) that the Dispensation of Grace goes on. That alone holds back Divine wrath or judgment. Yet, it is easy for sinners—such as unbelieving Israel during Acts, Paul’s audience in Romans chapter 2—to have such a low opinion of the riches of God’s goodness and forbearance (patience) and longsuffering (tolerance).

Observe these words from Romans chapter 2: “[4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? [5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:… [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;….”

Now, turn to 1 Thessalonians chapter 2: “[14] For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: [15] Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: [16] Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

Paul’s ministry (the Gospel of Grace, 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) was all that was preventing God’s wrath from falling on apostate Israel during Acts (when Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians), yet unbelieving Israel kept opposing Paul over and over and over and over and over again! Yet, we dare not forget how even unbelieving Gentiles are guilty of this sin of despising God’s Apostle to them. Their pride and ignorance will be their downfall too….