“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” (Romans 10:1)
To whom it may concern,
I have heard someone say, “Go to hell!” Or, “I wish they would just go to hell!” I may have said one of these myself, though I do not recall at the moment, but the Lord knows all things. These are not statements of love, but of hatred for another person. It is against the Law of Christ that anyone would desire hell for another person.
The apostle Paul was under persecution from the Jews, yet his heart’s desire, and his prayer to God for them was for their salvation. Jesus said, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
I confess that I am angry that my children have chosen to go their own way. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) I know that there is no universal salvation. God is saving people from every tribe, from every tongue, from every nation and from every people on the earth; however, there is no salvation apart from repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, he is Lord of heaven and earth and sea, all that is in them.
Why do some people have children who follow the Lord Jesus Christ, but my children are wayward? I have been asking this question of God and to myself a great deal lately. I do not find fault with God, for there is no injustice with God, is there? (Romans 9:14) God shows mercy to whom he will show mercy, and God shows compassion to whom he will have compassion. (Exodus 33:19)
During one of my post last week I asked, “What must I do for my children to be saved?” The answer for the individual who asks, “What must I do to be saved? The answer is to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, the answer for those whom we desire to be saved is not so simple. The apostle Paul wrote that it depends on God who has mercy. (Romans 9:16) Therefore, I shall never cease praying for God’s mercy for my children, as long as I draw the breath of air.
In Christ alone,
Michael Peek
The Nurse Theologian
