11. What is the only reason why mankind still exists, despite his forgetfulness and even outright rebellion against God? Lamentations 3:22-23.
NOTE: ‘“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.” “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts.” This is the message which must be proclaimed; “Return unto Me, and I will return unto you.” “But ye said, Wherein shall we return?” God gives His people reproofs, warnings, and instruction, because there is a manifest neglect of righteous principles. He sends messengers to bear to the churches His reproofs and warnings, that their wrongs may be corrected. He gives the invitation, “Return unto Me, and I will return unto you,” and yet self-vindication is shown in the words, “Wherein shall we return?”’ Review & Herald, December 1, 1896.
12. What warning does God give to those who persist in rebellion against Him? Malachi 3:5-6.
NOTE: ‘Solomon said: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11. But God says, “I am the Lord, I change not.” He is just as particular now as He ever was. But at no time in the history of the world has He executed summary punishment upon all transgressors. If He had, there would have been no people left on earth. Occasionally He has suddenly cut off some terribly presumptuous person, but those were only exceptional cases. “He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31, and He has reserved the unjust “unto the day of Judgement to be punished.” 2 Peter 2:9. The instances in which God has summarily cut off transgressors are simply reminders of how He regards disobedience to His plain requirements. Let us therefore not tempt the Lord, but on the contrary, seek earnestly to know what His will is, and then with diligence do all His commandments. Upon all such a blessing is pronounced.’ E. J. Waggoner: Signs of the Times, June 9, 1887.