The Great Hope (Adapted)

Conditions Are Specified

“I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” This promise is only for those who are thirsty. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:6, 7.) This text also specifies conditions. To inherit all things, we must overcome sin. GrH_a 16.3

“It will not be well with the wicked” (Ecclesiastes 8:13). The sinner is treasuring up for himself “wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds,’” “tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil” (Romans 2:5, 6, 9). GrH_a 16.4

“No fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 22:14, 15.) GrH_a 16.5

God has given us a clear statement of how He will deal with sin. “All the wicked He will destroy.” “The transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalm 145:20; 37:38.) The authority of the divine government will put down rebellion, yet His justice in punishing sin will be consistent with the character of God as a merciful, kind being. GrH_a 16.6

God does not force the will. He takes no pleasure in slave-like obedience. He wants the creatures He has made to love Him because He is worthy of love. He would like them to obey Him because they have an intelligent appreciation of His wisdom, justice, and kindness. GrH_a 16.7

The principles of God’s government are in harmony with the Savior’s command, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). God executes justice on the wicked for the good of the universe and even for the good of those who receive His judgments. He would make them happy if He could. He surrounds them with evidences of His love and follows them with offers of mercy. But they despise His love, overturn His law, and reject His mercy. Even while they constantly receive His gifts, they dishonor the Giver. The Lord is very patient with their determined self-will, but will He chain these rebels to His side and force them to do what He wants? GrH_a 16.8