“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)
When we look at the people in the world, particularly the celebrities, politicians, the movers and the shakers, the rich and powerful, it is easy to envy them. Many people in our world do. But they should envy the Christians and desire what we have for those in the world live troubled and chaotic lives. We who are baptized into Christ Jesus have a distinct advantage over them, an advantage that has been given us. We have the Holy Spirit of God who is the guarantee of eternal life as well as the provider of all the resources of the Lord that we need.
As for those who do not know Jesus, as they laugh at us and deny Him, they are in grave danger. As we know from the Word of God, one of God’s attributes is His justice. His righteousness is expressed in His law by which He administers His kingdom. He requires all human beings to follow that law. Yet all fail and come under judgment whether they realize it or not.
Yet God is love. This is His essential and core attribute that undergirds all that He is and does. Although He demands punishment for sin, He exacts that punishment from Himself. His love is expressed in His redemption of sinners at the cost of His Son. He grants grace to sinners freely, not according to human merit or worth. He dispenses His goodness and generosity without demanding anything in return. He extends mercy to us in our state of helpless sinfulness. He provides deliverance, healing and guidance. He is longsuffering and patient as He withholds judgment to extend His offer of grace to all.