God’s grace in the light of sowing and reaping

LAST week, I wrote about the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Inspired by the texts in Genesis 8 and Galatians 6, I have reflected on the relationship between what we plant and what we harvest. Plant goodness and harvest goodness; plant evil and harvest evil. Thus the reminder is not to be weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we shall reap the harvest.

But why are some people perceived as wicked seemingly spared from the punishment due them? Like the prophet Jeremiah we sometimes ask, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? (Jer. 12:1)” Or just like the psalmist we wonder, “… how long will the wicked be jubilant? (Psalm 94:3)”

The apostle Peter answers, “Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2Peter 3:8-9). God is never happy to see his people perish; rather, it is his desire to call each one to repentance… to his friendship… and to eternal life.

The truth is that the curses due to sin were never relaxed nor suspended. On the contrary, all the punishment due to sin -- past, present, future … all of God’s wrath -- were poured out on Jesus Christ, the Son of God who offered his life on the cross as an atoning once and for all sacrifice for all who are willing to accept it. Galatians 3:13-14 say it nicely, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

Man simply needs to turn away from his sins, accept Jesus Christ in his heart as Lord and Savior, and then live the faith the rest of his life. Doing these, God’s grace through Christ’s blood, saves us from destruction, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

God is inviting us today, “Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool…. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword” (Isaiah 1:18, 20).

The principle of reaping and sowing is still very much in operation. But God gives us in Jesus Christ the chance to be absolved of our guilt -- his suffering and death taking the place of the suffering and death that could have been ours as penalty for sin. Nevertheless, to those who harden their hearts as to reject God’s offer of salvation, God’s justice, in all its fullness, shall find its course.