There are certain things in life that can occur where there is no possibility of a second chance. Once someone steps off a 10-story building, there is no turning back, no second chance. Once a person puts a firearm to his head and squeezes the trigger, there is no going back, no second chance! It is sobering to realize that “there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). Some choices never permit a second chance! How often, Dear Reader, did you do a certain thing and then later wish you had a second chance? Second chances seldom are reality. However, when it comes to one’s spiritual life, there is a sense in which many do have a second chance. Why? Because God is the God of second chances. Consider the following.
Firstly, The Expressions. The Bible is inundated with words that speak of God’s longsuffering, patience and willingness to give His crown of creation a second chance. The Psalmist so eloquently penned, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15). To a rebellious, sin-filled group of God’s people, Micah affirmed, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18). How could anyone ever forget the words of the apostle of second chances? He penned, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Of course, the hope of Jeremiah was the hope of all mankind, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). Expressly stated, God is the God of second chances!
Secondly, The Examples. Example after example, the Bible is saturated with illustrations of God extending a second chance, yea even third and fourth chances, to undeserving people, just like you and me. King David is certainly a case study in the realm of second chances. A man who had every opportunity to do right, yet he failed miserably and sinned against God. Consider David’s sins of adultery, lying, murder and deceit in his relations with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Even after this long catalog of sins, God extended mercy in allowing David a second chance. In this narrative, God extended mercy by sending Nathan the prophet, by giving David an opportunity to repent, by accepting David’s repentance and then by extending forgiveness to him! Talk about amazing grace! Possibly no greater example of God’s longsuffering is anywhere seen more clearly than in the Minor Prophet Jonah. After Jonah failed to follow his marching orders, God prepared a vehement wind and a vicious whale to help Jonah remember what is truly important. Even from the belly of that great fish, God heard Jonah’s cry (Jonah 2:1-10). After Jonah was vomited on dry land, the Bible declares, “And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time…” (Jonah 3:1a). God gave him a second chance to fulfill the mission. Usually in life opportunity only strikes once, but with God, often opportunity comes again, because God is the God of second chances!
Lastly, The Exception. Even as merciful and longsuffering as God is, there is a limit to second chances. The apostle Paul warned of what will happen when a person continues to reject God and His Word (Romans 1:18-32). Three different times, the phrase “God gave them up” appears in this text. At some point, second chances will be gone forever! When a person insists on living life as he or she chooses, instead of the way God demands, God will eventually let a rebellious soul die according to that one’s stubborn will. In fact, a person can become so stubborn and obstinate that it is impossible to come back to God (Hebrews 6:4-6). God does everything within His will to bring a person to his knees (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9), but the fact remains, “It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Eventually, there are no more second chances!
Sadly, sometimes it is too late! There will come a time when second chances will be no more. Thank God that He extends His love, longsuffering and forgiveness to us today. Yet, please, Dear Reader, do not take His compassion for granted. Jesus was clear when He said, “…they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10b). Make certain today that you are in favor with the God of second chances.
