ANOTHER GROSS misinterpretation of Scripture from a lukewarm church. The Apostle Paul addresses a fallacy in people’s thinking concerning God, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭Paul’s language is stern. He tells the Roman church that their reliance on God’s long suffering tolerance to suspend His judgment on sin was on their part contempt.

The above Scripture is reminiscent of “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Ecc 8:11‬ God’s forbearance is His restraining back judgment so that men would have a chance to repent, and this word implies something that is only temporary. His goodness is seen everyday in His restraining of His wrath. ‭Because of this restraining goodness, men should have repented; but like the Jews, they saw it as God’s approval of their sinful ways.

Paul asks a rhetorical question, “Do you despise His goodness? Yes, you do.” In lay mans terms, Paul says, “You hold in contempt His goodness because you have no consideration of His impending judgment.” This Scripture has nothing to do with the preaching of God’s Divine Word. It has nothing to do with expounding on His laws and principles or telling others what goes against His Word and in what ways they are violating His commands. It has nothing to do with preaching obedience and disobedience. Yet, somehow it has become a Scripture to support why you can never say anything or speak anything that makes people uncomfortable.

We are in a time of His goodness in order for you to repent, turn away from your sin and turn to Jesus. His grace is still near to be received and His blood is still all sufficient to cleanse and forgive. Do not let this season pass you by. You are not promised tomorrow. #runyourrace

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