The LORD sent two angels to Sodom and Gomorrah to find out if “what they have done is as bad as the outcry” (Genesis 18:21) which had reached him. Since Abraham was God's friend (James 2:23), he told Abraham about the coming judgment on those cities. Abraham, concerned about his relative Lot, wanted to know if God would spare Sodom if he found as few as ten righteous people living there. God agreed he would not destroy the city for the sake of ten righteous people.

For Abraham's sake, the angels brought out the reluctant Lot, two of his unmarried daughters and his wife (who turned back)—not even ten righteous were found, and only three allowed themselves to be rescued.

We often wonder with the Psalmist (Psalm 73) how the wicked can prosper and wonder if “faith is worth it.” The Psalmist's faith was restored because he “understood their final destiny” (Psalm 73:17). God has no desire to destroy us—(2 Peter 3:9-10); he patiently waits for our repentance. God gives us time to repent, to mature and to learn. He disciplines and warns his children (Hebrews 12:4-13).

He forgives and cleanses those who confess and forsake their sins—already paid for by Christ on the Cross (1 John 1:8-10; 2:1-6). When we depend on God's grace and persevere in that faith to the end of life, we will be saved (Matthew 24:12-14).

Abraham, Sarah and other godly people trusted and walked with God. None lived the sinless life Jesus lived, but they continued to love and worship God. God continued pouring out his grace as he continued to work out his plan for them and all of mankind.

We have the opportunity to accept God’s grace now, but the time is now because judgment is coming on those whose sins continue to be “sin so grievous” and who continue to be unrepentant (1 Peter 4:1-19).