The law of God, good sense, other people, and our own conscience testify against us that we are in rebellion by nature and by practice, living a life that falls short of God's perfect standard. Given that we have offended him so in thought, word, action, and inaction, the natural reaction is to do better in the future, make up for it by doing works of righteousness, search for sacrifices or religious practices to appease God, or give up and resign ourselves to a life of sin.

All of these approaches end in damnation--eternal punishment from God. Our attempt to do righteous acts in penance is a pathetic attempt by a guilty man to grab on to the thinnest thread of hope, one that doesn't exist (Isa 64:6-7). Our attempt to live a live free of sin is both futile (James 3:2) and insufficient due to our past sins (Rom 3:23). Our religious acts earn us no merit with God (Psa 51:16-17). And to give up and live a life of sin is to run as fast as possible away from God (Rom 1:26-32).

The only option that offers genuine relief is to come to God in repentance! (Psa 15:17, Act 3:19-21, Luke 13:1-5) Run to the cross! Turn from your life of sin, be contrite and humble before God, and turn to him who is willing and mighty to save you! (Zeph 3:17) If you are humble, he will save you, lift you up, give you a new life and new desires, and best of all, you will have the righteousness of Christ earning you favor with God. All the punishment due your sin will be washed away, and you will be with God forever.

I've posted a simple verse list of many verses related to repentance, so please study these verses. At least, please read through them and consider them. Be overwhelmed by the volume of God's words on repentance. After you do, I am confident you will be refreshed by the Spirit to emphasize preaching repentance in all your evangelism efforts. The Lord's repentance moves me to praise, thank, and love God whenever I consider it!

Labels: Bible, motivation, theology