The theme of Scripture is “God is love.” The adversary of God and humanity says the opposite—that God is vindictive, cruel, and unjust. If God were to arbitrarily extend the lives of the wicked so they could suffer eternally in the fires of hell, Satan’s accusations would be justified. JTL27 12.1
God has shown us in myriad ways the depths of His love for us. Again, and again the Spirit appeals to those who have not accepted His substitutionary death on the cross to “Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die?” (Ezekiel 33:11). The twin attributes of justice and mercy are part of God’s character. Though “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), God longs for each person to accept the gift of eternal life He offers them through Christ’s sacrifice, making them safe for eternity. JTL27 12.2