Happy Friday, one and all

Once one studies the Bible a lot, that one might detect some things that could, on the surface, seem disturbing.  Namely, and I’m trying to be honest here, that one might find two verses or passages that appear to contradict each other.  Such was the case with me when I tried to reconcile the following:  

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  [II Peter 2:9]  

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

So I hope you see my issue.  We worship an omniscient God whose heart’s desire is that no one perish.  And yet His Son, Jesus, teaches that the majority, perhaps the vast majority, will go to destruction.  

Here is how I reconciled this issue, and I need for you to work with me a bit here.  I imagined that every person is born with a “mailbox”, and inside this mailbox is an invitation from God to join Him in Heaven.  Most people don’t even open the mailbox.  Others open it, but don’t open the invitation.  Some open the invitation, but ignore it.  But the remnant opens the letter and accepts God’s invitation to bless their life.  And afterlife.    

It has always been God’s will that everyone accepts His invitation to join Him in His glory in Heaven.  But sadly, Jesus points out the obvious–that most will disregard the patience and the desire of God and go their own way in this world.  And in this world only.  

Open the letter. 

Accept the invitation. 

Blessings,

Keith