As we discussed previously, God is a holy God who can’t abide sin, so He righteously judges those who choose to suppress the truth, and don’t come to Him by faith in Christ. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.” (Rom 1:18-19)

We see this in Matthew’s account of Jesus’s own words: “Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent…But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matt 11:20, 24) We all know the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19). Because of man’s depravity after the fall of Adam and Eve, the Lord purposed that man wouldn’t live forever: “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh” (Gen 6:3a). 

Nor will He keep knocking at the door of our hearts if we choose darkness over His life-saving grace and light. After declaring the land of Sodom who had not heard of Jesus would be better off at judgment than those who had, “Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” (Matt 11:25-27)

Jesus thanked the Father for blinding those to God’s truth who reject the Lord arrogantly thinking themselves wise. Why? “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” (Rom 1:20-23)

We see so much of this in today’s culture. We hear over and over again how people want to believe what parts they’ve heard about Jesus, He loves and accepts everyone with His grace and mercy. Yes, it’s true He is willing to accept all who come to Him who know they are sinners in need of a Savior and repent of their sin, which means to turn away from it (Luke 18:9-14).

God’s truth is absolute; there’s not a different “truth” for me than for you. While the Pharisee spoke pridefully about how good he was on his own merit, the tax collector understood that he wasn’t worthy, and yet asked for God’s mercy. Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)

Those who recognize that we need a Savior who is merciful to not give us what we deserve upon our repentance, but instead covers us with His grace are “the one[s] to whom the Son wills to reveal Him”. But the foolish who choose to believe their own “truth” and choose to glorify themselves instead of God are without excuse. And the result is devastating for their eternity: “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (Rom 1:24-25)

If we continue to ignore the calls of the Holy Spirit to repent, there will be a time when we will no longer be able to hear His call; we will be given over to our chosen lusts and earthly passions. But if you still hear from Him, I urge you “Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Is 55:6-7)

If you do answer His call, He promises, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev 3:20). Have you responded to His call yet?