| The God of Scripture is a God of Mercy! It’s amazing! The more I think I know about the God of the universe the more I come to realize that I know nothing at all! I would like to say that in reality I have only scratched the surface but that just won't do. I am finite and He is infinite. Therefore by the time I join Him in my eternal state; all that I have learned of our God the Ancient of Days will not have even scratched the surface. I like how the Heidelberg catechism puts it "Even the holiest of men while in this life will only make but a small step in sanctification". It is common belief throughout the world that the God of creation will not judge people according to what they do not know. Ask anyone you come across that question and they will tell you of a God who is rich in mercy and will not condemn a soul to hell because they were lacking in knowledge of the Creator and what role they were to play for Him in His grand design. What should we as the Church say to this rather bold statement? I for one can only concur with them….. What’chu talkin bout Willis!?! Listen Beloved! We indeed do serve a God of mercy! He is above all things and He is rich in mercy to all! How could a merciful God cast out from His presence anyone who lacked knowledge of His majesty? Do not even our own civil laws show us that ignorance of the law is not an excuse? But God who is Love! He would not judge that way will He? Now here is the problem with this. The statement of “God will not judge me according to what I don’t know” is intended to be GOOD NEWS to the hearer. However, it is in fact still some of the worst news one can hear….. Check out what is written in the book of the Scriptures…. Romans 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19. because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  The Eye of God. Hubble Space telescope. The reality is that everyone has knowledge of God and who He is. Even we as believers all at one time sought to suppress the knowledge of God in our fallen state. We twisted it! We distorted it and we exchanged it for lie after lie after lie! We were without excuse! For this alone God could be absolutely just and righteous in His condemnation for the whole of humanity. So what about the pigmy in Africa who has never been told of Christ? It doesn’t matter. He has creation all around him testifying to God. He also has the knowledge of good and evil stamped in his heart, and still it is suppressed in unrighteousness. Were the gospel pronounced to him, in his own power he would do the same with it. Might I go so far as to say that if even one were sent to him from the dead he would still reject and twist the truth… The suppression spoken of in scripture is an active tense. It is what we do! With this understanding all I can do is rejoice that God sought me out and gave me a heart of flesh where a heart of stone existed once. It was granted to me via God the Father that I might come to Jesus for salvation freely through the regeneration of my heart. While I was yet a sinner Christ died for me! Halleluiah! He gave me His Holy Spirit, and covered me with His righteousness while on His end He placed my sin on His own shoulders and paid the price for me! How awesome is that!!!!!!!  |