God is longsuffering and merciful, but it is dangerous to presume upon the grace of God because the Bible also says that He is a consuming fire. Case in point is the passage from Hosea:
Hosea 4:17 (ESV) — 17 Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone.
Ephraim is a term for the 10 northern tribes of Israel that had passed the point of no return. They had become infatuated with idols, the symbolic models of the “gods” of the nations around them, thereby forsaking the One True and Living God. So, God says: “enough is enough, leave him alone.”
We see this also in the book of Romans, where Paul outlines the fact that creation reveals the glory and power of God so that man is without excuse. But given that fact, when man turns from denying God and worshipping things of creation rather than the Creator, then God says enough and gives man over to a “reprobate or debased mind.”
Romans 1:19–20 (ESV) — 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:21–25 (ESV) — 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Romans 1:27–28 (ESV) — 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
This should make us sit up and take notice of the fact that God is merciful, kind, and forgiving but we should never presume upon it and act like we can do whatsoever we please. Consider other passages that point to God setting limits upon His kindness.
As God considered the wickedness of man, prior to the flood, He had this to say:
Genesis 6:3 (ESV) — 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.”
Genesis 6:5–8 (ESV) — 5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
That last verse is ever so important that declares Noah found favor or as another version says, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” That demonstrates the fact that despite man’s totally forsaking God and going in the opposite way, God demonstrated His love and faithfulness in showing grace to Noah. But He didn’t have to do that.
Jesus showed great compassion to sinners but the religious leaders who demonstrated the fact that they had forsaken the word of God, Jesus had some pointed words.
Matthew 15:12–14 (ESV) — 12 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
“Let them alone.” The Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus as Messiah and the word of God, brought on harsh judgment, especially considering the fact they were leading others down the same path.
No wonder then, the psalmist in declaring the greatness of the law or word of God, declared how he is warned but still needed the help of God to keep from falling into presumptive sin, thinking God will forgive so it doesn’t matter. It does.
Psalm 19:7–13 (ESV) — 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lordis pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
If God has declared in His word that there is a line in the sand that we are not to cross, a point of no return, if you please, then we’d do well to stay away from that line. That is a call for enjoying the green pastures of His grace, rather than be like the cattle in the field, stretching their necks under the fence to get the grass on the other side of the fence. God is gracious in forgiving and restoring us, so let us never take that grace for granted and flirt with the point of no return, instead be focused on growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to live close to Him.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
