If we claim we have no sin, we are only
fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to
Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
wickedness - I John 1:8-9
Imagine that a well-known preacher has just spoken at your
church service.
The preacher is wearing nice clothes and people are crowding
around him
so they can shake his hand. Then just a few feet away, you spot a criminal
who has recently been released from prison. He is poorly dressed,
smells worse than he looks, and no one wants to go near him or talk to him.
so they can shake his hand. Then just a few feet away, you spot a criminal
who has recently been released from prison. He is poorly dressed,
smells worse than he looks, and no one wants to go near him or talk to him.
As the preacher talks to his admirers, you are surprised to hear him say things
such as: “I am a really good person, because I preach really good messages
and never break any of GOD’s rules” - or - “People should follow my example.
I do not break the law, like that bad criminal over there.”
As you draw closer, you notice the criminal is crying.
He buries his face in his hands and falls to his knees.
He cries out to GOD and says, “Lord, please forgive me for all I have done!
I am a terrible sinner, and I need You to change my life.”
He buries his face in his hands and falls to his knees.
He cries out to GOD and says, “Lord, please forgive me for all I have done!
I am a terrible sinner, and I need You to change my life.”
Who would you rather be like? The preacher who showed up
to GOD’s House bragging about his own goodness?
Or the humble criminal who knew he was unworthy,
and desperately needed GOD’s forgiveness?
Remember, “The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart…” (See Psalm 51:17.)
GOD loves a humble heart.
If you want to repent, the first thing you must do
is recognize your sin. After you recognize your sin,
humbly confess your sin to GOD and agree with Him
about how serious it is.
The last step to repentance is to thank GOD for His forgiveness,
and ask Him for the Holy Spirit’s power to turn away from that sin.
to GOD’s House bragging about his own goodness?
Or the humble criminal who knew he was unworthy,
and desperately needed GOD’s forgiveness?
Remember, “The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart…” (See Psalm 51:17.)
GOD loves a humble heart.
If you want to repent, the first thing you must do
is recognize your sin. After you recognize your sin,
humbly confess your sin to GOD and agree with Him
about how serious it is.
The last step to repentance is to thank GOD for His forgiveness,
and ask Him for the Holy Spirit’s power to turn away from that sin.
• Confess your sins to GOD, so He will forgive and
cleanse you.
• Give thanks to GOD for His forgiveness of your sins.
• Ask GOD to change your life so that it pleases Him.
• Ask GOD to humble your heart as you seek His forgiveness.
• Allow GOD and not sin to rule your life.
• Give thanks to GOD for His forgiveness of your sins.
• Ask GOD to change your life so that it pleases Him.
• Ask GOD to humble your heart as you seek His forgiveness.
• Allow GOD and not sin to rule your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment