BGEA: Does God ever give up on us?

Does God ever give up on us? I grew up in a Christian home and was active in my church youth group and all that, but then I turned into a rebel and rejected the whole thing. Now I realize I went down the wrong road and I'd like to get back on track, but I'm afraid God has shut the door on me. — M.H.

The most important thing I can tell you is that God never shuts the door on anyone who truly wants to come to Him in repentance and faith. Jesus' promise is for you: "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37).

And one sign that God hasn't shut the door on you is your own inner desire to come back to Him. Where did this come from? It didn't just come from your own dissatisfaction with the way you've been living. Instead, God gave it to you! His Spirit has been at work in your heart (whether you've been aware of it or not), convicting you of your sin and convincing you of your need of Christ. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44).

Would God be drawing you to Himself if He wasn't willing to receive you and forgive you? No, of course not. He loves you, in spite of the way you've ignored Him and rebelled against Him. If you had been the only person on earth who needed to be saved, Jesus Christ still would have been willing to give His life for you. God loves you that much!

Don't ignore His call, however, or assume you can indefinitely delay turning to Him. The Bible says, "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Turn to Christ and commit your life to Him today.

4 Comments

Kristi says 4.23.2012, 11:24 a.m.

I have felt the same way, the Bible does say if we continue to turn our backs on Him, He will eventually turn his on us, but I've always heard as long as we have the desire to serve God He is there. does the Bible support this?

T says 4.13.2012, 10:47 p.m.

I'm not very smart when it comes to these things, but I want you to know that you're not alone in this. I've felt guilty for not fully believing in God and His Word, and when I do I end up turning away again. I'm getting very confused.

Travis says 8.27.2011, 8:13 p.m.

Peter tells us that God is long suffering and patient toward us because He wants all to be saved. I personally believe that God never really gives up on us until we die. Granted, He already knows who's coming to Him, but I still think He tries. Just look at those who have lived terrible lives. God still works on them. It's us who gives up on Him.

Gary says 9.3.2010, 00:24 a.m.

Is there a point when God will say to an unrepentant heart, I will deal with you anymore? I understand God's desire is for no man to perish, but when a person continues to resist the prompting of the Holy Spirit, does God say no more? It is a question that has been raised among a group of believers. I believe there must be a time or a point when God says enough. Am I wrong in my thinking?