LONG-SUFFERING IS SALVATION.
By L. A. Phippeny
“Account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation.” 2 Peter 3:15. The term long-suffering is a common one, and may readily be defined. The simplest meaning that can attach to it is “suffering long.” From this it enlarges to suffering injury or wrong a long time, and patiently, with great endurance and forbearance. And if the conditions are of a certain nature, it may include the idea of tolerance or permission. Long-suffering is one of the qualities seen in the character of God, and, like all commendable qualities, is there revealed in its fullest degree. This quality comes into operation only where sin exists, and when developed in the Christian, becomes one of the heavenly graces. As manifested in the character and attitude of God, it commands our profoundest admiration, and constitutes moreover in any case a cause for deepest thankfulness and worship, inasmuch as it affords us an opportunity to repent of our sins and turn to the Lord. Sin is a wrong against God, the greatest wrong that could possibly be worked against him. Every wrong that has ever been done by man to man is a result of sin. If we suffer because of evil done us, let us remember that God’s sensibilities are infinitely more acute than ours, and because of the wrong of sin he suffered as only God can suffer, even unto death. If we in any degree sense the wickedness of sin, and feel a sorrow for its effects, let us remember that God’s sense of sin, and sorrow because of its results, are infinitely greater than ours. It is because this is so that God pities man in his sinful condition, and grants him time in which to see Jesus, learn of salvation for himself, accept it, forsake sin, and escape the ultimate end, which is eternal death. It is for the purpose of drawing men to himself that the Lord does not punish immediately for evil works. He is a God of love, and is by no means pleased that any should perish. Men know they are sinners, and it is the plan of the devil to keep them such, and he leads them to believe that God has no regard for them either for good or ill, because of their condition. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Eccl. 8:11. But every exhibit in the case, every word of revelation, every patient explanation to man concerning his condition,—the past, present, and future,—shows him to be a God of tender love and compassion. He protests, “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Eze. 33:11. While the consequences of sin are clearly depicted, the great theme of God’s revelation to man is salvation. It is not a plan of sin and death, but a plan of salvation and life. Sin is revealed, but is revealed only by contrast with righteousness, that the man may turn from death to life. It is a most merciful revelation, begotten of love, and the intent and motive of the Lord are made so plain that there is left no excuse for rejecting his goodness. “Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Rom. 2:4. This is the lesson we are to learn from the long-suffering of the Lord. He appeals to the reason, even while the Spirit touches the soul with divine healing, which begets love for the benefactor. In view of all these things, despise not his goodness, but account that reproofs, warnings, long-sufferings, and patient instructions are the ripe opportunities afforded each individual to make sure of his soul’s salvation.