Presume not upon God’s patience. The exercise of it is not eternal; you are at present under His patience, yet while you are unconverted you are also under His anger: “God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psm. 7:11). You know not how soon His anger may turn His patience aside, and step before it. It may be His sword is drawn out of the scabbard, His arrows may be settled in His bow, and perhaps there is but a little time before you may feel the edge of the one or the point of the other, and then there will be no more time for patience in God to us, or petition from us to Him. If we die without repentance, He will have no longer mercy to pardon, nor patience to bear.
— Stephen Charnock (1628–1680), Puritanischer Theologe
Related Bible passage: PSA.7.11
Topics: Guilt & Forgiveness, Eternity & Hope Beyond Death, Time & Transience
Occasions: For Reflection
Stephen Charnock
Stephen Charnock (1628–1680) war ein englischer puritanischer Geistlicher und Theologe, der nach dem Verlust seiner Kanzelberechtigung in der Restaurationszeit als nonkonformistischer Pastor in London wirkte. Bekannt wurde er vor allem durch seine posthum veröffentlichten Abhandlungen über das Wesen und die Eigenschaften Gottes, die den reformierten Gottesbegriff mit hoher analytischer Genauigkeit entfalten. Bibellesern vermitteln seine Texte eine systematische Auslegung zentraler göttlicher Attribute wie Souveränität, Weisheit und Vorsehung, die theologische Präzision mit persönlicher Frömmigkeit verbindet.
All quotes by Stephen Charnock (29)
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller
Forgiveness means allowing the other person not to have to be God.
Henri Nouwen
Love keeps no record of wrongs, but bitterness keeps detailed accounts.
Craig Groeschel
John Newton
Tim Keller