Some things are inevitable because of the laws of nature. If one were to step off the top of a skyscraper without a net, the fall wouldn’t kill him—but the sudden stop would. Other things are not inevitable because they are avoidable. The motorist who speeds past a BRIDGE OUT sign at 90 mph can only expect the inevitable. In most areas of life there are situations in which all circumstances point to an inevitable conclusion. Some just take longer than others, constant use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs are a few of these. In very rare cases the seemingly inevitable end can be evaded or escaped.
In several Bible events there is a fine line between avoidable and inevitable. Once people, then and now, purposely step outside that line in rebellion and blatant disobedience and, “…deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire…” (Heb 10:26-27). The thousands who died in the Great Flood (Gen 7:21-23) and in the desert wanderings (Heb 3:16-18) were proof to that inevitability.
The Lord does not want such things to happen, “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Pe 3:9) (Jo 3:16). What a contrast and a blessing is God’s tolerance level, “…When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son…” (Rom 5:10). In fact, Jesus was forgiving those who were crucifying Him, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing…” (Lk 23:34).
Unfortunately, sooner or later, God’s justice demands the inevitable, “…This will happen when the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power…” (1 Th 1:7-9) Judgement Day is inevitable (Mt 25:31-46) (Jo 12:aa48) (2 Pe 2:9-10) (2 Pe 3:7). However, everlasting destruction is not (1 Th 4:16-18) (Rev 21:1-4).
-Jim Bailey
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