The Grace of God

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

While studying Rev 9, The Holy Spirit brought an exciting thing to my attention. Even during the tribulation times, he gives men the opportunity to repent. The only time when he doesn’t bother with men is when they have taken the mark of the Beast. Scripture teaches us that they have forsaken God and his gift of salvation ( Rev 13:8). They made a choice and sealed their fate.

Upon reading Rev 9:4, we see a plague of locusts that has been sent forth to torment those who have not the seal of God in their foreheads. This agony lasts five months, is very painful and death even flees from them—a sad state of affairs. After five months, some will die a painful death. Pay attention to the number five. Five is the biblical number of grace.

Habakkuk 3:2 is a prayer in which is mentioned mercy in wrath. God is giving these people a chance to repent in Rev 9:20-21. Why? I believe these are secular people who have refused to take the mark of the Beast. They live a sinful lifestyle but still have a chance to repent. Sadly, their hearts have become hardened, and they reject Jesus.

Brethren, I want to encourage you to take advantage of the goodness and grace of God. When you stumble, don’t turn from him. Run to Him and confess your sins. God can give you a fresh start and a new beginning. Let us not harden our hearts by turning away from him. He loves us and wants us to taste and see that the Lord is good.