Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. – Luke 13:3
God has given believers two important and similar, but distinct, gifts to use when they sin. 1 John 1:9 instructs, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confessing is when you agree with God about the wrong you have done. When you do, you are forgiven, and your slate is wiped clean once again.
Repentance, on the other hand, involves more than being in agreement with God about your sin. It involves true remorse and a desire to not commit that offense again. A person can be forced into confessing, but repentance is an individual outcome of that confession. Repentance makes the determination to “change,” some say to make a 180-degree turn. Jesus desires a repentant heart (Luke 5:32).
It is vital that the truly repentant heart understands not only the nature of sin but the nature of the One Who was sinned against. Repentance happens when a person has a greater desire for the love and delight of God, than of wallowing in anguish over the sin committed. Confess and repent, God forgives and He restores, giving you glimpses of the depths of His love, His justice, His righteousness, and His glory.
Intercede for the nation as Americans have accepted sin in so many areas, and for the governing officials who are guiding the people down wrong paths. Pray that they might recognize their wrongdoing as against the nature of God, confess with broken hearts, commit to changing their ways, and experience God in the fullness of forgiveness and love.
Today’s Verse: Luke 13:3
No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 1:9-2:6
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
