January 23, 2002
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” Isaiah 30:15
And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Acts 20:21
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
What does it mean to accept the gift of salvation? It is all about repentance. When we are without the saving grace of the Lord Jesus, we live in a state of sin. To repent is to acknowledge that one is in that state of sin and to change one’s mind about the direction in which you are going. In other words, to repent is to turn around and go the other way. Now, in what you have considered your salvation experience, if there was not that desire in your heart to go the other way, how could you have ever truly repented and accepted the Savior? What is the nature of your sin? We are all the same. We are guilty of all sin in that there is no temptation that has come your way that has not come to all. In the days of old, when there were sacrifices in the temple, salvation did not come by way of the sacrifice, but in the repentance of the heart of man. Today, we must be so convicted of our guilt before God that we know we are without hope. We must come to the realization, that without the shed blood and the resurrection of Jesus we are without hope. Only in that realization is there true repentance and salvation. Have you ever truly looked at yourself the way God sees you? Do you see all the blemishes that he sees? Do you know that you have no hope of eternal glory short of his grace? Are you willing to leave your life of sin and turn around to go the other way? Has your heart felt the grief of seeing what God would see without the blood of Jesus? Has your heart been broken before the Lord? If the answer to this is yes, then count the cost of following Jesus (giving up everything you ever wanted or thought was rightfully yours), decide to put your hand to the plow and never look back! Jesus told the woman at the well to go and sin no more. Let him who is without sin work in you that you be like him.
Father, this message must be heard and understood. Lord in Jesus name let nothing hinder the hearts and minds of the readers to the word of God. This day, break our hearts and bring us to a true repentance that leads to salvation. Lord, show us that the cost of following you is worth the eternal benefits. Father, I am willing to answer you call to a higher plane of living. I turn from the wickedness that has been mine since birth and I pick up my cross and follow Jesus. My heart is broken before you, Lord. I am so sorry for the ways I have sinned against you. Forgive me, Oh Lord of Lord’s. Have mercy on me and give me your forgiveness. Lead me in your way and in your way only, in Jesus name, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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