What does God say to those who have already had their chance? What does God say to those who have willingly disregarded his love and law? What does God say to those who have been spiritually unfaithful — religious whores? What does God say to those who have deserved his anger? What does God say to those who have turned from him? Get ready my friends. It might surprise you.
God promises, “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.” (Hosea 14:4)
Apostasy … This is the tragic truth about us. We have received truth from God. It has been written in our bibles. It has been written on our hearts. We know right from wrong. We are not without the facts. And how have we responded? Historically and consistently, we have proven to be God’s people who turn from God. We backslide. Sadly, this is too true.
Anger … This is the word presenting God’s just posture towards apostasy. Grandfatherly toleration of devilish affections and actions are never the response of the Holy God.
Love … This is the word presenting God’s affectionate posture towards apostates. It makes no sense, but it cannot be denied. According to God’s own self-testimony, he is the friend of sinners. So what does he do?
Gospel … This is the implied doctrine. It is the theme of the story — from Genesis through Revelation. God loves the world, takes all his anger for some, and pours it out on his Son.
Heal … This is the word presenting God’s mercy. Just as Jesus physically healed the lame, blind, leprous, and demon possessed, so he spiritually heals spiritually lame, blind, and leprous children of the devil. He declares our salvation today. He finishes it tomorrow. Ultimately, the curse is reversed. And why does God do so?
Human Performance … This is the concept not found in the text; it is also not found in the Gospel. God does not love and heal because man has sufficient faith, repentance, penance, or good works. His mercy and grace is not based upon doctrinal accumulation or religious ceremonialism. No, the Gospel is all of God. It is pure gift. It is …
Free … This is the word describing God’s love. It is the same word used throughout the Hebrew Scriptures of “freewill offerings.” God follows his heart. He does what he desires.
Worship … It is part of our healing. Adoration, praise, thanksgiving, and boasting is what we do. Thinking, meditating, praying, and repenting continues. Righteousness, lawfulness, and obedience proceeds forth from our Spirit-infected hearts. Love for man follows love for God, and so too do any number of Spiritual fruits. And all of this — this is not repayment; this is not requirement. This is response. It is our “freewill offering” to the Lover of our soul.
Unfathomable Grace 