from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel

... The Lord’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance, not complacency

Matthew 24:14 NKJV (devotion translation)

The Bible teaches that even during the Tribulation, God will continue extending the opportunity for people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. His judgment upon the earth will be severe, but His mercy will still be evident. Scripture consistently reveals that God is patient and desires people to turn to Him before it is too late.

In Revelation, we read about 144,000 Jews whom God seals and uses as witnesses throughout the earth. These believers will proclaim the truth during a time of widespread deception and rebellion. In addition, Revelation 14 describes an angel flying through the midst of heaven proclaiming the everlasting gospel to the nations. This is a remarkable demonstration of God’s grace. Even in a season of great tribulation, the Lord continues calling people to salvation.

At the same time, the Bible makes clear that following Christ during that period will come at a tremendous cost. Many who trust in Christ will face persecution and death because they refuse to worship the Antichrist or receive the mark of the beast. Their faith will be genuine, and their allegiance to Christ will be tested severely. Yet the Lord will sustain His people, and their eternal hope will remain secure.

This truth should not lead anyone to delay repentance. Scripture repeatedly urges people to respond to God today. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and the human heart can grow harder through continued resistance to the truth. God’s grace is available now through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again so that all who trust in Him might be saved.

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and patience toward sinners. Help me to respond to Your truth with faith and obedience while Your invitation of grace is still being extended. Amem.

• 2 Peter 3:9 - God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but calling all to repentance.
• Revelation 7:1-8 - The sealing of the 144,000 servants of God during the end times.
• Revelation 14:6-7 - An angel proclaims the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
• Matthew 25:31-34 - Christ’s return brings final judgment and the gathering of the righteous.
• John 3:16-18 - Salvation is offered now through faith in the Son, while rejection leads to judgment.
• 2 Corinthians 6:2 - “Now is the day of salvation,” emphasizing urgency in responding to God’s grace.
• Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do not harden your hearts when hearing God’s voice today.
• Revelation 13:7-10 - The saints endure persecution during the reign of the beast, yet remain faithful.
• Matthew 24:12-13 - Endurance in faith is required as lawlessness increases in the last days.