Today’s Message…
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT REPENTANCE
1. IT’S FREE AND VOLUNTARY
Not forced nor reluctantly squeezed out, like Pharaoh’s and Saul’s confession of sin ( Ex 12:31; 14:5-7; 1 Sam 15:24-25). Saul’s repeated confessions did not obtain forgiveness because Saul only shrank from the punishment of his sin. David on the other hand, shrank in horror from the sin itself (Ps 51:4) .
2. IT’S FULL AND COMPLETE
An offender will confess their sins wholesale and in detail, as David confessed his adultery. (Ps 51; 2 Sam 12)
3. IT’S SINCERE
A sincere confession springs from the grace of God and remorse
for offending God. One that springs from the unwanted consequences alone may be insincere.
“He who covers his sins shall not be blessed; but whoever
confesses and leaves them shall have mercy.” (Pro 28:13)
4. IT MEANS COMING BEFORE GOD
Consider Peter’s repentance before Jesus (John 21:15-17). Repentance before the Lord is searching and thorough. Peter could never love Jesus enough, but the searching is done to show us how much Jesus love us.
5. IT’S ACCOMPANIED BY A REFORMED LIFE
Repentance always leads to a change of heart and conduct in the believer. (Luke 3:7-14)
“For the grief according to God works repentance to salvation,
not to be regretted, but the grief of the world works out death.”
(2 Cor 7:10)
Lessons for little Saints…
1. What is repentance?
2. What is sin?
3. What did the people pray for?
4. How did they show they were wanting to change?
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