Luke 15 (excerpts)
...‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
...‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
...“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
...“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ...Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ...For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
...“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ...But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
note: please read the complete text on this link--
Praise GOD!
Aren't we glad we have a Father in Heaven who loves us with all His heart, ready to forgive us anytime as long as we repent and turn away from our sins?...Much more than that, He will rejoice and celebrate for we have come to our senses and returned back to Him :)
Thank you to Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son who gave His life for all of us for our salvation :)
Point to Ponder:
Have we repented wholeheartedly and accepted our Saving Grace?
If not, today is the day :)
> In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”
> The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.
What then is the connection between repentance and salvation?
> The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21;26:20).
> To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
> Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.
> Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.
> It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation.
> No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace.
> No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).
> While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action.
> While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action.
> In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
> A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26).
> Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19).
> Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.
Glory to GOD!
Glory to GOD!
Bible in a Year:
Read the Bible in One Year- Here's a reading plan where you and I can focus on God's Words everyday....to make it a habit, make it a practice, amen :)
Read with me :)
October 1, 2011- Genesis 1-3
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