ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Stumble Beyond Recovery?

Romans 11:11a
Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery?

After having pointed out the condition of the blinded majority of Jews, Paul now asks the question, "Have they fallen beyond recovery? Have their traditions and ceremonies so blinded them that their fall is permanent. Have they been so caught by their own rituals they will never be able to stand again as a nation?"
Let me re-phrase this question more generally: Is anyone's sin so great they are beyond recovery? Can some sin be so bad God just won't forgive it? The world is lucky I am not God because there are quite a few sins I find particularly more heinous than others. In my view, certain sin deserves great punishment with absolutely no forgiveness possible. Child molestation for example. But fortunately for mankind that is not God's position. In His view, all of mankind has fallen beyond recovery (without Jesus). Romans 3:22b-23: "There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That's why we need a Savior.
While in Nepal on my last mission trip, I spoke at length with a man about Jesus. Although he understood the concepts of forgiveness and sacrifice, he couldn't grasp the reason why God would die for him personally. He told me, "You have no idea the things I've done. I can't even forgive myself, why would God forgive me?" My answer: "Because He loves you." Then I quoted John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It is such an amazing gift that it is difficult for some to understand. Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." If we all weren't lost we wouldn't need saving. Therefore, no matter how great our sin, no one's fall is beyond recovery.

 

The man in Nepal did not accept Jesus that day. Did he waste the opportunity for salvation? Possibly, but I don't know God's plan for his life. I continue to pray for him. Is there someone in your life who thinks they have stumbled and fallen beyond recovery? God hasn't given up, should you? Take the time right now to pray for them.

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