The Patience of God: Salvation, the Object of
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The patience of God is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting His enduring forbearance and desire for humanity's salvation. This divine attribute is not merely a passive waiting but an active, purposeful delay intended to bring about redemption and reconciliation.

Biblical Foundation

The patience of God is vividly illustrated in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter. In 2 Peter 3:9 , it is written, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill 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 God's longsuffering nature, emphasizing His desire for all to attain salvation rather than face judgment.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul highlights God's patience in Romans 2:4 , where he asks, "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 portrayed as an expression of His kindness, intended to guide individuals toward repentance and ultimately, salvation.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also provides numerous examples of God's patience. In the narrative of Noah, God demonstrates His longsuffering by delaying the flood, giving humanity ample time to repent (Genesis 6-7). Despite the increasing wickedness, God's patience allowed Noah to build the ark and preach righteousness, offering a chance for salvation.

The account of Jonah further illustrates God's patience. When the prophet reluctantly preached to Nineveh, God withheld judgment upon their repentance, showcasing His willingness to forgive and save even those who were once His enemies (Jonah 3:10).

Theological Implications

The patience of God is intrinsically linked to His character and His salvific plan. It reveals His deep love and mercy, as He desires not the death of the wicked but their return to Him (Ezekiel 18:23). This divine patience is not infinite, however, as it serves a specific purpose within God's redemptive timeline. The eventual return of Christ will mark the culmination of this patience, as the opportunity for repentance will cease.

Practical Application

For believers, understanding the patience of God should inspire a response of gratitude and urgency. Recognizing that God's patience is an opportunity for salvation, Christians are called to live lives worthy of this grace, sharing the message of salvation with others. As Paul exhorts in 2 Corinthians 6:2 , "For He says, 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!"

In summary, the patience of God is a testament to His enduring love and desire for humanity's salvation. It is a divine attribute that calls for a response of repentance, faith, and evangelistic zeal, as believers seek to align their lives with God's redemptive purposes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Peter 3:15
And 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

Library

The Object of Theology
... set forth and display the mercy, long suffering and patience of God, might provide ...
ratify the new covenant by his blood, recover eternal salvation, and who ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

A Covenant God
... Salvation could only be by faith: God restoring the life man had lost; man in faith
yielding ... This work cost God more care and time and patience than we can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter i a covenant god.htm

On Patience
... the midst of various temptations, those that are enabled in patience to possess ... who
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation!" Indeed he ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 83 on patience.htm

Of the Union of Our Will to the Good-Pleasure of God by ...
... will lies in moderation amid consolations, and in patience amid tribulations ... her
damnation would be more agreeable to God than her salvation, she would ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv of the union.htm

Our Watchword
... for more of the deep-seated principle of intense love to God's salvation, steady
and ... If I lie sick, I would feel that I must magnify God by patience; if I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/our watchword.htm

Why was the Fact of Our Lord's Return Presented in the Language of ...
... For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared ... fruit of the earth, and
hath long patience for it ... How many of God's poor are now crying unto the Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 why was the fact.htm

Salvation from Sin.
... its necessity, and the preventive of that patience which would ... man, to free the child
of God from the ... 'Salvation from hell, is salvation as conceived by such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/salvation from sin.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... but you can't realize"you can't realize that the Bible is true"that God does offer
to forgive"that salvation is actually ... O! what patience in God! ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

Brought up from the Horrible Pit
... a man both to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God." Jesus waited""waited
patiently." Seek to be like Him, and in patience possess your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 28 1882/brought up from the horrible.htm

To Monna Giovanna Di Corrado Maconi
... that personal honour be not sought, but the honour of God and the salvation of one's ...
of sweet and sincere virtue, with true and holy patience; let him take ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna giovanna di corrado.htm

Resources
Is God cruel? | GotQuestions.org

How can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org

What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Long-suffering

The Patience of God is Part of his Character

The Patience of God: An Encouragement to Repent

The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: His People

The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: The Wicked

The Patience of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins

The Patience of God: Illustrated

The Patience of God: Israel

The Patience of God: Jerusalem

The Patience of God: Limits Set To

The Patience of God: Manasseh

The Patience of God: Paul

The Patience of God: Plead in Prayer

The Patience of God: Salvation, the Object of

The Patience of God: should Lead to Repentance

The Patience of God: The Wicked: Abuse

The Patience of God: The Wicked: Despise

The Patience of God: The Wicked: Punished for Despising

The Patience of God: Through Christ's Intercession

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The Patience of God: Plead in Prayer
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