2 Peter 2:4-9

For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment

2 Peter 2:4-9 

Sometimes we need a reminder of the truth and motive behind the Gospel. God is the perfect Father, but He is also the perfect Judge. Peter’s examples of God’s judgment remind us of His holiness and justice. Yet, we also see His mercy in preserving the righteous. This balance of judgment and mercy is at the heart of the gospel – while we deserve judgment, God offers mercy through Christ. 

God will not be mocked. Don’t turn his long-suffering into acceptance. He doesn’t accept sin. He’s a holy God, and sin demands judgment. So then we need to be honest and look at our own sin as it sits next to God’s grace. How does the reality of future judgment motivate you to live righteously now? Take some time today to thank God for His mercy in your life and pray for those who don’t yet know Him. 

Pastor Wade O’Neill