Do you sometimes wonder why God allows this wicked world to continue? Dear friend, the world continues until now for one main purpose – to give you and me the chance to repent.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise [to destroy the earth,] but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Too many of us misuse the patience and goodness of God. When He gives us time, we use it for more sinning. When He blesses, we think He approves of us. So we put off serious learning or changing.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent [unrepenting] heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed (Romans 2:4-5).
No, dear friend, God is neither blind nor forgetful about our sins. This moment of life is God’s gift to you. It is not for your selfish purposes and pleasures. It is for learning truth! It is for doing truth! Jesus urgently sends this message to you and to every precious soul for whom He died.
…repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47).
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out… (Acts 3:19).
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).
Now that command comes to you. Determine to let God rule your life. Leave behind all that brings shame and death. This is the decision that prepares you to enter God’s kingdom by water and the Holy Spirit.