Topical Encyclopedia The concept of salvation being intertwined with the patience of God is a profound theme that runs throughout the biblical narrative. This theme highlights God's enduring forbearance and long-suffering nature as He works to bring humanity to repentance and redemption. The patience of God is not merely a passive waiting but an active, purposeful delay that allows for the unfolding of His redemptive plan.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God's patience with His people. In the days of Noah, God demonstrated His patience by delaying the flood, giving humanity time to repent. Genesis 6:3 states, "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.'" This period was an opportunity for repentance, showcasing God's desire for salvation rather than judgment. Similarly, the account of Israel's repeated disobedience and God's enduring patience is a testament to His long-suffering nature. Despite Israel's continual rebellion, God remained patient, sending prophets to call them back to righteousness. Nehemiah 9:30 reflects this, "For many years You were patient with them. By Your Spirit You admonished them through Your prophets, yet they paid no attention, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples." New Testament Revelation The New Testament further illuminates the patience of God as central to His plan of salvation. In Romans 2:4, Paul writes, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Here, God's patience is directly linked to His desire for human repentance and salvation. The Apostle Peter also emphasizes this aspect of God's character. In 2 Peter 3:9, he writes, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage underscores the idea that God's delay in executing final judgment is an expression of His patience, providing time for more people to turn to Him. Theological Implications The patience of God is a critical attribute that underscores His mercy and grace. It reflects His willingness to endure human sinfulness and rebellion for the sake of eventual redemption. This patience is not infinite, as Scripture also speaks of a time when God's judgment will be executed. However, the current era is marked by God's forbearance, offering humanity the opportunity to embrace salvation through Jesus Christ. The patience of God also serves as a model for believers. Christians are called to emulate God's patience in their interactions with others, reflecting His character in a world that often tests the limits of human endurance. Colossians 3:12-13 exhorts believers, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Practical Application Understanding that salvation is of the patience of God encourages believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Recognizing the temporal nature of God's patience should motivate Christians to share the gospel, knowing that the opportunity for repentance is a gift of God's enduring mercy. It also calls for a life of gratitude, acknowledging that each moment of delay in judgment is an expression of God's love and desire for all to come to salvation. In summary, the patience of God is a vital component of His redemptive plan, offering humanity the opportunity for repentance and salvation. It is a testament to His enduring love and mercy, calling believers to reflect His patience in their own lives and to actively participate in His mission of salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 3:15And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given to him has written to you; Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... patience, kindness, goodness, (4102), 23 gentleness ... truth, or the truthfulness of God or a ... especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k Library A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation Eighteenth Day. Patience. Our Hope is not the Salvation of the Soul. Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Illness and Patience of the Saint. The Story of a Priest whom She ... Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Passages of Scripture Respecting the Constancy, Patience, and Love ... On Patience Letter xxxii. --Patience with the Faults of Others. Duty of Imitating Our Master Taught us by Slaves Even by Beasts. ... Resources Questions about Salvation (All) | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop questioning my salvation? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |
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