The Grace Dispensation
This morning, I was reading through the book of Lamentations, which comes right after Jeremiah, and one verse stopped me in my tracks. Lamentations 4:11 says, “The Lord gave full vent to his wrath. He poured out his hot anger, and he kindled a fire in Zion that consumed its foundations.” After spending time in Jeremiah and seeing how often God warned His people through the prophets, I was deeply moved by His patience. He gave the children of Israel opportunity after opportunity to turn back to Him. His faithfulness is astounding. His patience is beyond what we deserve. But Scripture also reminds us that there comes an appointed time when God will do exactly what He said He would do.
The children of Israel had become so comfortable in their sin and evil practices that they no longer listened to the voices of the prophets. And it was not only Jeremiah who warned them. Again and again, God sent messengers to call His people back. Yet instead of receiving correction, many rejected it. Some even punished the prophets and threw them into prison. Then, in Lamentations, we see the heartbreaking fulfillment of what had been spoken.
Lamentations 4:10 says, “The hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children; they became their food during the destruction of the daughter of my people.” That is a devastating picture. The judgment was so severe that people were burning and starving to the point of doing the unthinkable. When I read that, it gave me a sobering glimpse of just how far the people had fallen. It also reminded me that the sacrifice of children had become part of the evil practices among them, revealing how deeply corruption had taken root.
As I sat with that passage, I could not help but think about where we are today. I thought about what many in the church call the grace dispensation, this period in which God is extending grace to humanity. And if I am being honest, I do not believe we are as different from the children of Israel as we sometimes imagine. Because of grace, many have grown comfortable with sinful practices, both inside and outside the church. In some cases, the lines have become so blurred that it is difficult to tell the difference between those who belong to the church and those who do not. For many people, that confusion has even become a reason to avoid church altogether.
I also believe we are witnessing what Scripture describes as the great falling away in 2 Thessalonians. Many who once professed faith no longer seem interested in gathering with believers or hearing the truth of God’s Word. At the same time, I do believe there is still a remnant, faithful men and women who are willing to preach the truth with clarity and conviction. But it is also true that some hesitate to speak plainly because they fear losing parishioners, followers, or influence.
There is a real urgency in this hour. Those whom God has called to stand as part of His remnant can sense it deeply. There is an increasing awareness that the grace dispensation, or what many call the church age, will not continue forever. That is why there is such a burden to speak the truth, to call people back to holiness, and to help prepare God’s people for what is ahead.
Friend, I share this not from a place of fear, but from a place of love and conviction. God is still merciful. He is still calling people back to Himself. But His grace should never make us casual about sin. Instead, it should lead us to repentance, reverence, and a deeper desire to walk closely with Him while there is still time.