God was gracious to Moses, after he shattered the original 10 commandments in anger. But the majority of God’s law and activity through Israel was harsh legalities and stringent holiness. However, God, even in the Old Testament was seen as gracious; read Exodus 34:1-9.
God is not going to leave people constantly seeking. Since the beginning He had a plan to let us know Him better than just the creation around us reveals.
You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10)
Jesus said … “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10) But sadly, there are people who God does forsake! (Romans 1:20-28)
However, God still offers people that he has given up on, forgiveness and eternal life with Him. He presents His Son as a gift to account for our sin so that we may know Him. But it is up to us personally to accept His gift. God does not promise an easier life, but He does promise a more fulfilling life. That is why He gave the world, more than His Son and more than His Word; The church is a gift that exists to bridge the gap between Him and those who have forsaken Him. Jesus said, “In Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Recognize we are sinners. We are separated from God because of our sin. We cannot know God until our sin is taken away. It is because of this, that God sent Christ as a sacrifice. He died so our sins could be forgiven, and so our relationship with God can become a reality. Admit that we cannot rescue our self from the consequences of our own sin. Only God can decide the WAY of forgiveness and salvation, and He declared that people can be forgiven only through Jesus’ obedient sacrifice, (Acts 4:12)
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8)
Epaggelia 