Topical Encyclopedia 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 3:15And 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 Library The Object of Theology A Covenant God On Patience Of the Union of Our Will to the Good-Pleasure of God by ... Our Watchword Why was the Fact of Our Lord's Return Presented in the Language of ... Salvation from Sin. The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God Brought up from the Horrible Pit To Monna Giovanna Di Corrado Maconi Resources Is God cruel? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics 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: Jerusalem The Patience of God: Limits Set To 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 Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |