The only reason we are not instantly obliterated is because of God’s kindness, patience, and restraint. All this is to lead us to recognize the weight of our sin and to repent of it (Romans 2:4). God wants none of us to perish, so He extends incredible mercy to us (2 Peter 3:9). Any sin against a holy God is worthy of our death (Romans 6:23). We can’t live a single day without sinning, and as a result, we must recognize that our disobedience warrants our death every single day of our lives (James 2:10).
If not for the sacrificial death of Christ, none of us could survive. Our physical life is dependent on God’s merciful forgiveness (Lamentations 3:22-23), and our spiritual life is only possible because Jesus rose from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:17). In every way, our lives depend on God’s kindness and provision.
Indeed, it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Without His mercy, we could not repent of our sins and receive His gift of eternal life (Ephesians 2:4-5). Without His law, we would remain ignorant of our sin and die in that same sin (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24; Romans 2:12). People who think of God as some sort of vengeful monster have bought into the serpent’s lie (Genesis 3:1-5). We are not God or equal to God, and nothing we do will ever make us God (Isaiah 45:5-6). We are the created, not the Creator, and we are both fallen and lost (Romans 3:23).
It is true that God is a God of wrath, but He directs His wrath at sin. If we repent of our sins, the blood of Jesus will cover our sins and save us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Because of God’s kindness, we can die to ourselves every day and live for Him (Galatians 2:19-20; Luke 9:23). We could never do this on our own. Left to our own devices, we would not even desire to do so, and we would spend an eternity in Hell, separated from God, and in utter despair (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:15).
Many claim to be Christians who have never repented of their sins. Unless there is repentance, there will be no forgiveness (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19-20). It’s true Jesus died for your sins, but if you don’t confess Him as Lord and turn away from your sinful habits and desires, you will not experience His forgiveness and eternal life (Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:12-13; 1 John 3:6).
It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. There is no other way we can find salvation other than to call on the name of Jesus, recognize and repent of our sin, and surrender to Him as Lord over every part of our being (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:5). God’s wrath is holy and His justice is swift. This isn’t a game. Without Christ, you will die. The only reason Jesus gives you a single breath today is so you might repent and turn to Him (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Most reading this already believe what I’m saying. The question is, has it gone beyond belief in your heart? Even demons believe in Jesus and it causes them to shudder because they understand the implications of His holiness (James 2:19). Without genuine repentance, you will not receive genuine salvation. God’s kindness has given you one more day to get this right. Surrender to Jesus, die to yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him today (Matthew 16:24).