Salvation is for all people (John 3:16; Hebrews 5:8-9). God is in the business of saving man, not destroying them (Luke 9:55-56). He is patiently enduring so that many more can be saved (2 Peter 3:9). However, sometimes God’s people are less patient with and more ready to condemn others than to save.
In Genesis 7:16 we read, “And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” It was not Noah who had shut the door but God. Up until the last moment, we assume, God allowed others to come upon the boat; however, only eight souls answered the call.
God is Patient (Genesis 6:3). He gave the whole world 120 years to repent which was more than enough time for them to turn to God. His justice required destruction, but His mercy answered with patience. God waits a “long time” to come back (Matthew 25:19). He does not cast off quickly like mortal men. Are we guilty of shutting the door before the Lord does?
With Sinners?
“They are too far gone,” “he would never obey Christ,” or “she’s too wicked.” Sometimes we shut the door of salvation before the Lord does, like the Pharisees with the Gentiles. Have we ever denied a Bible study because of a disposition, a lifestyle, or a particular sin? Have we limited the blood of Jesus and assume heaven is for the mere elite, socially acceptable, or moral groups? The church is not a museum for Christians, but a hospital for sinners.(1) Consider:
· Manasseh made others do worse than sinners, but God left the door open for forgiveness (2 Chronicles 33).
· The Jews had killed the Son of God, but Jesus on the cross never closed the door (Luke 23:34).
· Paul was the enemy of the church, but Christ did not shut the door (1 Timothy 1:12-15).
We must be willing to teach the rich and the poor; the clean and the addicts; the home owners and the homeless. Jonah failed at this when told to preach to Nineveh, but Ananias excelled in this when commissioned to confront Paul. Have you shut the door to sinners?
With Congregations?
Ever judged a congregation based on appearance, order of worship, or even members that attend? Have you ever said, “he goes there so it must be liberal,” or “she attends that church, it must be conservative.” Sometimes the members of the church cast off congregations before the Master of the church does! To Ephesus Jesus wrote, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). When others would have blown out their fire long ago, Jesus said it was still ablaze, although it may have been small. Perhaps some congregations have problems and need help correcting them? Others may be struggling and are not knowledgeable on how to address them. No Christian has the right to be a Diotrephes (3 John 10); God closes the door. Have you shut the doors to congregations?
With Self?
Sin lately? Struggling with mistakes? Lose your cool, say an idle word, or think a bad thought? Because of these instances, it is sometimes the case that people shut the door of heaven themselves. Every action, every mistake, every mishap becomes the end of their walk with Jesus. They may believe that fellowship is broken the moment one sins, out of weakness. John recognizes the continual cleansing of the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7) and for faithful Christians is no condemnation, so as long at they walk rightly (Romans 8:1). Do you shut the door to yourself?
God closes doors very slowly. He is not quick to keep people out. Eventually, He will close the door and no one will be able to open it (Matthew 25:10; Luke 13:24-25; Hebrews 9:27), However, let us not close this door now, for God is patient and cares about the soul’s of men (1 Timothy 2:4).
Endnotes
(1)Allen Webster
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