It's Not Over

Remember God's Words

Because of these scriptures, we know that God will not forsake us. If we are alive and seeking Christ, there is always hope for us. As Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NIV) reminds us, “Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” This verse underscores the value of life and the hope that remains as long as we are living. Even when we experience suffering or struggle with sin, there is always hope if we turn to Christ.

Jesus reassures us of His unwavering presence and acceptance: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37 NIV). This promise assures us that Christ will never reject anyone who seeks Him, regardless of their past or current struggles. If we seek God, it’s because He enables that desire within us. It doesn’t necessarily require a profound emotional experience or overwhelming love; even a simple, earnest desire to connect with God is sufficient. As John 6:44 (NIV) states, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” This reveals that the very act of seeking God is a result of His drawing us to Him.

In our journey, we may grapple with temptations and strongholds of sin. However, Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) provides a powerful assurance: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” This passage reminds us that in Christ, we are not condemned by our struggles. The Spirit of God liberates us from the power of sin and death.

It’s important to remember that while sin may still be present in our lives, as long as we do not act upon it and resist dwelling on sinful thoughts, we are focusing on Christ. Ultimately, God’s grace will lead us to freedom from the strongholds of sin. As we persist in seeking Christ, even with our struggles, we can trust in His promise of transformation and redemption.

God Forgives

No, God does not kill those who repent. In fact, throughout the Bible, God’s response to genuine repentance is one of mercy, forgiveness, and restoration. The consistent message is that God desires repentance from His people and is eager to forgive when they turn back to Him.

For example, in the book of Jonah, when the people of Nineveh repented of their sins after Jonah’s warning, God spared the city from destruction (Jonah 3:10). Another powerful example is King David, who committed serious sins but repented sincerely. Though there were consequences for his actions, God forgave David and continued to work through him.

God’s nature is one of grace and compassion. This is reflected in verses like Ezekiel 18:23, where God says, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” God’s desire is for people to repent and live, not to perish.

In addition to this, several verses assure us of God’s promise to forgive:

  • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  • Isaiah 43:25 – “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
  • Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
  • Micah 7:18 – “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
  • Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
  • Colossians 1:13-14 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
  • Luke 6:37 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
  • Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Though God’s justice sometimes requires discipline or judgment, this discipline is a form of loving correction intended to guide His people towards repentance and restoration. In Hebrews 12:6, it is said, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” This correction serves to restore and reconcile rather than to destroy. God’s ultimate goal is not destruction but to bring about reconciliation and restoration, ensuring that His love and grace are evident even in times of discipline.

Examples of Reconciliation and Restoration

  1. King Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-20):

    • Background: Manasseh was one of the most wicked kings of Judah, leading the people into idolatry and committing terrible sins, including the shedding of innocent blood.
    • Repentance: After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself before God and repented.
    • God’s Response: God was moved by Manasseh’s repentance, restored him to his throne in Jerusalem, and Manasseh spent the rest of his reign trying to undo the wrongs he had committed.

  2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):

    • Background: In Jesus’ parable, a younger son demands his inheritance and then wastes it in reckless living.
    • Repentance: After losing everything, the son returns to his father, repentant and willing to be treated as a servant.
    • God’s Response (through the father): The father, representing God, runs to meet his son, forgives him, and restores him to his place in the family, symbolizing God’s joy and readiness to forgive repentant sinners.

  3. The People of Israel (Book of Judges):

    • Background: The Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, worshiping idols and committing sins.
    • Repentance: In their distress, they would cry out to God for help and repent of their idolatry.
    • God’s Response: Each time, God would raise up a judge (a leader) to deliver them from their enemies, showing His willingness to forgive and restore His people when they repented.

  4. The Apostle Peter (Matthew 26:69-75, John 21:15-19):

    • Background: Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of His arrest.
    • Repentance: After realizing what he had done, Peter wept bitterly, showing deep remorse for his actions.
    • God’s Response (through Jesus): After His resurrection, Jesus lovingly restored Peter, reaffirming his role as a leader in the early Church and charging him to “feed my sheep,” which symbolized Peter’s reinstatement and forgiveness.

  5. Nineveh (Jonah 3-4):

    • Background: Nineveh was a city known for its wickedness, and God sent Jonah to warn them of impending judgment.
    • Repentance: The people of Nineveh, from the king to the common people, repented in sackcloth and ashes when they heard Jonah’s message.
    • God’s Response: Seeing their genuine repentance, God relented from destroying the city, showing His compassion and mercy.

  6. King Ahab (1 Kings 21:25-29):

    • Background: Ahab was one of the most evil kings of Israel, heavily influenced by his wife Jezebel, and led Israel into idolatry.
    • Repentance: After being confronted by the prophet Elijah about the judgment that would come upon him and his family, Ahab humbled himself before God and repented.
    • God’s Response: God acknowledged Ahab’s repentance and delayed the punishment that was foretold, showing His readiness to show mercy even to someone as wicked as Ahab.

These examples demonstrate that God’s consistent response to genuine repentance is one of grace, forgiveness, and often a restoration of relationship and position. God’s ultimate desire is for people to turn away from their sins and return to Him, and when they do, He responds with mercy rather than judgment.

Why Do Some Face Destruction Under God’s Wrath?

Understanding God’s Response to Insincere Repentance and Final Judgment

In the Bible, God’s response to repentance and prayer is closely linked to the sincerity of the individual’s heart and actions. True repentance involves a heartfelt turn away from sin and a commitment to righteousness. However, there are instances where individuals express remorse without genuine change, or where their opportunity for repentance is cut short by death.

Genuine Repentance vs. Superficial Remorse

Repentance in the Bible is more than just expressing regret; it requires a heartfelt change of heart and behavior, aligning with God’s will. 2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes between “godly sorrow” that leads to genuine repentance and “worldly sorrow” that does not produce lasting change. Superficial remorse, where individuals say sorry but do not change their ways, is not recognized by God as true repentance.

Examples of Insincere Repentance and Divine Response

  1. King Saul (1 Samuel 28:6)

    • Background: King Saul repeatedly disobeyed God, including offering unauthorized sacrifices and seeking guidance from a medium. Despite his pleas for help, God did not answer him.
    • Explanation: Saul’s persistent disobedience and lack of true repentance led God to withhold His response, indicating that insincere repentance does not align with God’s expectations.

  2. The People of Judah (Jeremiah 11:11-14)

    • Background: Judah’s persistent idolatry led God to declare that He would not listen to their cries for help.
    • Explanation: Their continued rebellion despite numerous warnings showed a lack of genuine repentance, leading God to withhold His response as a form of judgment.

  3. The People of Israel (Ezekiel 8:18)

    • Background: During Ezekiel’s time, Israel’s ongoing sin led God to declare that He would not hear their cries.
    • Explanation: The persistent rejection of God’s warnings resulted in a point where their pleas were no longer heard, reflecting the severity of their rebellion.

  4. The Pharisees and Hypocrites (Matthew 6:5-7; Luke 18:10-14)

    • Background: Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their outward piety and hypocrisy.
    • Explanation: God values genuine humility and repentance over outward displays of religion. The Pharisees’ insincerity meant their prayers were not honored by God.

  5. The People in Isaiah’s Time (Isaiah 1:15)

    • Background: Despite their sacrifices and prayers, the people’s hearts were far from God.
    • Explanation: God rejected their prayers because of their hypocrisy and injustice, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance.

  6. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

    • Background: The rich man, after death, found himself in torment and sought relief, but his pleas were not answered.
    • Explanation: This parable illustrates that once judgment is rendered, it is too late for repentance or requests for mercy.

  7. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

    • Background: Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and claimed to donate all the proceeds to the church while secretly withholding part of the money. They lied about their donation, attempting to deceive the apostles and God.
    • God’s Response: Both Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for their deception and dishonesty. This severe judgment occurred immediately after their lie was exposed.
    • Explanation: Their actions were not merely about withholding money but about lying to the Holy Spirit and being insincere in their repentance. The swift and decisive judgment underscored the seriousness of their deceit and the finality of their opportunity for repentance.

Finality of Death and Repentance

The Bible teaches that repentance must occur while one is alive. Hebrews 9:27 notes that after death comes judgment, indicating that once life ends, the opportunity for repentance is no longer available. Instances where God’s wrath leads to destruction, such as in the cases of certain nations or individuals, demonstrate the finality of judgment when repentance is no longer possible.

In summary, while God is merciful and eager to forgive those who genuinely repent, insincere remorse and unrepentant behavior can lead to God withholding His response. Additionally, once life ends, there is no further opportunity for repentance or change, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of seeking genuine reconciliation with God while one is still alive.

What About Blasphemy Against Holy Spirit
(the unforgivable sin)?

The concept of the unforgivable sin, often referred to as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is mentioned in several places in the New Testament. Here are the key passages:

Matthew 12:31-32 (NIV):

“And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

Mark 3:28-30 (NIV):

“Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”

Luke 12:10 (NIV):

“And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is characterized by:

  1. Knowledge and Rejection: It involves a conscious awareness of the truth about the Holy Spirit and a deliberate choice to reject or oppose that truth. This goes beyond simple doubt or ignorance; it is an informed and willful opposition.

  2. Contempt and Slander: This sin is marked by speaking against the Holy Spirit with contempt. It involves slandering the Spirit’s work and attributing divine actions to evil sources. This act of speaking against the Holy Spirit demonstrates a profound rejection of His role and authority.

  3. Motivation of Selfishness: The actions are driven by selfish, evil motivations, such as jealousy, pride, or a desire to maintain one’s own sinful lifestyle. The Pharisees, for example, were motivated by a love for their own power and status, leading them to reject and discredit Jesus’s teachings, even though they knew the truth.

  4. Arrogance and Hardness of Heart: This sin involves a hardened heart and an arrogant refusal to acknowledge the truth. Despite being confronted with clear evidence of divine truth, those who commit this sin remain unrepentant and resistant.

  5. Finality of the Act: The act of speaking against the Holy Spirit solidifies the sin as unforgivable. It is not just the belief or the attitude, but the specific act of slandering the Spirit that makes this sin final and unredeemable. This final act represents a complete and irrevocable rejection of God’s work and grace.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a profound and ultimate act of defiance. It involves a conscious and intentional rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work, motivated by selfish desires and a hardened arrogance. This sin is marked by a deliberate act of speaking against and slandering the Holy Spirit, reflecting a deep-seated contempt and rejection of the divine truth.

Understanding the Feeling of Condemnation

For those troubled by the fear of having committed the unforgivable sin, it’s important to remember that the very fact you are alive indicates that God has not abandoned you. If you had indeed committed such a sin and there was no hope left for you, God would have removed your breath and brought your life to an end. Your continued existence is a sign of God’s ongoing grace and opportunity for repentance.

Do Not Take Your Life: The enemy, or Satan, will do everything in his power to convince you that you are beyond redemption and to foster doubts about God’s forgiveness. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, it is crucial to resist these thoughts and not take drastic actions like ending your own life. God’s grace extends to all who are willing to seek it, and your life is a testament to the possibility of redemption.

The Enemy’s Tactics: Just as the enemy attacked Job through physical and emotional suffering, he also uses various psychological and spiritual tactics to undermine your faith and peace. Satan often employs deceptive mimicry and manipulative tactics to undermine your faith and distort your understanding of God’s true intentions. Here’s a summary of how these tactics play out:

  1. False Impressions: Satan can create illusions or distortions that seem divine but are meant to mislead and confuse you. He may use false signs or deceptive messages to make you doubt God’s promises or your own worthiness.
  2. Counterfeit Grace: The enemy might mimic the feeling of conviction or guilt, but without offering the true path to redemption that God provides. This counterfeit grace can lead to despair rather than genuine repentance and healing.
  3. Manipulative Signs: Seemingly significant coincidences or negative patterns might be used to suggest you are beyond hope or that God is punishing you. These manipulative signs are designed to instill fear and doubt rather than guiding you toward the truth.
  4. Opposite Intentions: While God’s messages aim to guide, comfort, and restore, the enemy’s mimicry seeks to lead you away from truth, sow confusion, and increase suffering.

Understanding this distinction helps you recognize when you are being misled and reinforces the importance of discerning true divine guidance from the enemy’s deception. Always seek clarity through prayer, scripture, and trusted spiritual guidance to ensure that you are following God’s true path rather than falling victim to the enemy’s tricks.

The Enemy’s Strategies: The enemy’s ultimate goal is to:

  1. Lead You Away from God: Causing you to hate God by making you think He doesn’t care about you so you live an unrighteous life.
  2. Erode Your Faith: By making you believe that God is not real.
  3. Drive You to Despair: By convincing you that there is no hope left, leading to self-destructive thoughts or actions such as suicide.

God’s Assurance: Remember, as long as you have breath, God is holding your spirit and offering you the chance for restoration. The presence of breath in your body is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the ongoing opportunity for reconciliation with Him. Do not let the enemy’s lies lead you astray.

Stand Firm in Faith: Resist the enemy’s attempts to undermine your faith. Seek support from trusted spiritual advisors, engage in prayer, and immerse yourself in God’s Word. Embrace the truth that God’s grace is greater than any sin, and He is always ready to restore those who turn to Him with a repentant heart.