Topical Encyclopedia The patience of God is a profound theme woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture, revealing His enduring forbearance and mercy towards humanity. This divine patience is most vividly manifested through the intercessory work of Jesus Christ, who stands as the mediator between God and man. The patience of God, as expressed through Christ's intercession, underscores His desire for all to come to repentance and the lengths to which He goes to extend grace and mercy.Divine Patience in the Old Testament The Old Testament provides numerous examples of God's patience. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry, God continually extended His mercy, calling them back to Himself through prophets and leaders. In Exodus 34:6, God proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This declaration highlights God's patience as an integral aspect of His character. Christ's Intercession as the Fulfillment of Divine Patience The New Testament reveals the ultimate expression of God's patience through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ's intercession is a central theme in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where He is depicted as the great High Priest who continually intercedes for believers. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession is a testament to God's patience, as Christ advocates for humanity, providing a way for reconciliation and forgiveness. The Role of Christ's Sacrifice Christ's sacrificial death on the cross is the cornerstone of His intercessory work. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus satisfied the demands of justice, allowing God's patience to be extended to sinners. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." Here, God's forbearance is linked to the redemptive work of Christ, showcasing His patience in withholding judgment and offering salvation. The Purpose of God's Patience God's patience, as demonstrated through Christ's intercession, serves a redemptive purpose. It is not a passive tolerance of sin but an active extension of grace aimed at leading individuals to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 articulates this purpose: "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This verse underscores the salvific intent behind God's patience, emphasizing His desire for all to embrace the gift of salvation through Christ. The Call to Reflect God's Patience Believers are called to emulate God's patience in their own lives, reflecting the character of Christ. Colossians 3:12 encourages Christians to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." As recipients of divine patience, believers are to extend the same grace and forbearance to others, embodying the love and mercy of God in their interactions. In summary, the patience of God, as manifested through Christ's intercession, is a profound demonstration of His enduring love and mercy. It reveals His desire for reconciliation and redemption, offering humanity the opportunity to experience His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 13:8And he answering said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In the Name of Christ Christ's Intercessory Prayer. My God Will Hear Me The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now ... Hymns and Spiritual Songs Fifth Sunday in Lent An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Paul a Pattern of Prayer The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers Resources How long was Job's suffering? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do so many people have to experience terrible suffering before death? | GotQuestions.org Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Patience of God is Part of his Character The Patience of God: An Encouragement to Repent The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: His People The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: The Wicked The Patience of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Patience of God: Illustrated The Patience of God: Jerusalem The Patience of God: Limits Set To The Patience of God: Plead in Prayer The Patience of God: Salvation, the Object of The Patience of God: should Lead to Repentance The Patience of God: The Wicked: Abuse The Patience of God: The Wicked: Despise The Patience of God: The Wicked: Punished for Despising The Patience of God: Through Christ's Intercession Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |