Limited

Matthew 17:17 (NIV)

How long must I put up with you?

This is an aspect of God's nature that may shock us all. God's patience is limited and finite. As men who were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), if there are limits to our patience, then it would be logical to assume that there are limits to God's patience as well. However, infinitely more patient than us (2 Peter 3:9), God's patience with this universe will run out (2 Peter 3:10).

Evangelical preaching must emphasize that God will not put up with sin forever. God's patience will eventually run out and lead to judgment day. Souls should repent now and be saved (2 Cor 6:2), lest they run out of God's limited patience and be left behind (Luke 13:25) in a godless hell.