The wickedness we observe taking place can make our world seem too far gone and without hope. When scrolling on social media, we see posts and comments asking Jesus to come back quickly. God, however, is not in such a hurry to pronounce final judgment. In his mercy, he is slow to act. He is allowing time for more souls to be saved to eternity. Our Creator is patiently working his plan and each piece of the puzzle must fall into place before Jesus comes back again.
Following the fall of humankind, mortal flesh had risen to sad prominence, and the spirit had fallen into corruption. God said that, by their erring and straying, humans had proved to be flesh incapable of being ruled by the Spirit and led back into holiness. Because mortals were flesh, carnal and depraved, they had misused the noble powers of their souls to gratify their unholy inclinations. The reason given why humans had gone so far astray was that the sons of God had chosen to take wives from among the daughters of men.
Despite their rebellions, the Spirit of God strove with humans by exciting conviction in their consciences. God contended with human wickedness by these inward motions of the mind and by the ministry of a small remnant of holy men, such as Noah, who preached righteousness to the ungodly world. Unfortunately, these efforts were in vain and accomplished no purpose. So, God said he would not always strive with mortals. Incurably sensual and corrupt, striving with them was a lost labor.
Rather than continue in this way, God executed the sentence of condemnation on them. Not only the ever-profane posterity of Cain, but also now the posterity of Seth. All were sadly corrupted, immersed in sensual lusts and carnal pleasures, and refused restraint or reformation. The Lord declared his plan to leave them hardened in sin and ripened for destruction. He mercifully deferred the judgment they deserved and gave them 120 years to prevent it by their repentance and reformation. During this time, Noah was preaching righteousness to them and preparing the ark.
The Lord strives with humanity up to a certain point. He sends his Spirit to brighten the darkened mind, to connect with the conscience, to prompt and strengthen holy resolve, and to bring the human heart back to God. For some, this results in repentance, but with the others he will not perpetually abide. God will not go beyond a certain point. He will not force the free will of his rational creatures. He does not desire compulsory obedience. After an ample amount of conviction and warning, he will withdraw his spirit and leave the impenitent unbeliever alone.
At this point in time, the perverse world was quickly approaching the point of final abandonment. God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared. The 120 years were the days of the human race, not the individual, with whom the Lord would still abide. When the set number of years was accomplished, the flood came to overwhelm the earth.
None are punished according to God’s justice. Only those who refuse to be reformed by his grace. What can you do to participate in God’s plan to save more souls before Jesus returns? Can you share your faith with your child or another relative, a friend, a neighbor, or a coworker? That is the mission God has given us during this time while we wait.
Becoming Biblical 