Vessels of Wrath

Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Vessels of Wrath. What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much long suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction? Romans nine twenty two. Most of us have met people who appear to be beyond salvation.

We may even judge them to be vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. Is there any hope for them? Consider some of the characters Jesus interacted with: the woman at the well. tax collectors, lepers, cripples, the demon possessed, the woman caught in adultery, and the thief on the cross. These were outcasts and seemed to be without hope.

But God tells us, As I live, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Clearly, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. Despite appearance, words, or actions, no one is beyond saving. Christians are instructed to witness to and pray for all who don't know Jesus as their Savior, not judge their spiritual standing. We are exhorted to love them and preach the gospel to them, for the gospel exists to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins.

The vessels Paul mentions are people who persistently rebel against God, and only he knows whether they will be hardened or saved. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. We not only can't know all his ways, but we aren't supposed to. Do you know someone who appears beyond redemption, a family member, friend, or even foe? Prayerfully place them in Jesus' saving hands.

Our God is gracious and merciful, and miracles happen. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement.

Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with days of praise.