Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of access to God is foundational, emphasizing the relationship between humanity and the divine. The Bible, particularly from a conservative Christian viewpoint, underscores that even the wicked are not beyond the reach of God's call. They are commanded to seek Him, highlighting God's mercy and desire for all to come to repentance.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents numerous instances where God extends an invitation to the wicked to seek Him, demonstrating His willingness to forgive and restore. This invitation is not limited to the righteous but is extended to all, regardless of their past actions. Isaiah 55:6-7 : "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This passage from Isaiah is a clear command for the wicked to seek the Lord. It emphasizes the urgency ("while He may be found") and the promise of compassion and pardon upon repentance. The call to forsake one's own way and thoughts signifies a complete turning away from sin and a turning towards God. Ezekiel 18:21-23 : "But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer he turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel reinforces the message that God desires the wicked to turn from their sins and live. The passage highlights God's justice and mercy, offering life to those who repent and follow His statutes. It underscores God's lack of pleasure in the death of the wicked, further emphasizing His desire for their repentance and life. New Testament Perspective The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ's ministry focusing on calling sinners to repentance. The access to God through Christ is a central tenet, offering redemption and reconciliation. Matthew 9:13 : "But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Jesus' words in Matthew highlight His mission to call sinners, including the wicked, to repentance. This call is an invitation to seek God through Christ, who provides the ultimate access to the Father. Acts 17:30 : "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent." The apostolic teaching in Acts reiterates the universal call to repentance, extending to all people, including the wicked. This command underscores the inclusivity of God's invitation and the opportunity for all to seek Him. Theological Implications From a conservative Christian perspective, the command for the wicked to seek God is a testament to His grace and the transformative power of repentance. It affirms the belief that no one is beyond redemption and that God's love and mercy are available to all who earnestly seek Him. This access is made possible through Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, offering a path to forgiveness and eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 55:6Seek you the LORD while he may be found, call you on him while he is near: Torrey's Topical Textbook James 4:8 Library Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries. The Sovereignty of God in Operation In the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies "And Watch unto Prayer. " Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law. Of the Decrees of God. Another Mode of Justification How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. " So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things Resources Was Joseph married before Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the tree of life? | GotQuestions.org What is Verbal Plenary Preservation? | GotQuestions.org Access: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Access to God is by the Holy Spirit Access to God: A Privilege of Saints Access to God: Blessedness Connected With Access to God: Follows Upon Reconciliation to God Access to God: Obtained Through Faith Access to God: Promises Connected With Access to God: Saints Earnestly Seek Access to God: Saints Have, With Confidence Access to God: The Wicked Commanded to Seek Access to God: To Obtain Mercy and Grace Access to God: Urge Others to Seek Access to God: Vouchsafed to Repenting Sinners Related Terms |
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