John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9
God crowned His creation by giving life to the first human being and naming him Adam. Even in a perfect environment, Adam failed God by disobeying a simple command. Adam plunged the whole human race into a condemned state before our Creator by passing along a nature prone to sin. Additionally, one of Adam’s sons was a murderer. Humankind neglected our Creator so much that God saved only one family when He restarted the human race: Noah’s family.
God used some great and godly people through history. We read about them in the Word of God. We learn of men like Abraham, a friend of God; David, a man after God’s own heart; and the heroes of the faith who challenge us in the Book of Hebrews. Even these men and women fought the common problem of mankind. They sinned and needed the grace of God.
On a darker side, God recorded names that bring evil to our minds, like Ahab and Jezebel, and Judas, who betrayed our Lord. Many others in history, both ancient and current, could fit this frame: Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and many others who shocked society with their wickedness. Though these crimes and criminals are famous, we still share the common trait that we all have sinned and justly deserve God’s wrath.
One other commonality we have with every human of the past, present or future is that God loves every one of us. It is God’s will that every man’s sin is covered by the shed blood of God the Son. He loved every one of us enough to send His Son to pay our debt. As we go into the fields of humanity witnessing for our Lord, some seem to be enemies to God and us. However, we need to realize they are loved by God, the One Who loves and saves us. God is not willing that they perish and spend eternity in Hell.
What a thought to consider: There has never been a human being that God did not love and has not given His Son to save. Such amazing grace from a holy and loving God!
If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.