THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
In the classified section of the newspaper an ad appeared that read:
"I would like to announce that the ad I put in this newspaper last Saturday was an error.
I WILL be responsible for any debts incurred by my wife.
And I will begin payments as soon as I'm out of the hospital."
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________SCRIPTURE__________________________________
2 Cor 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:
but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT____________________________________
The first step in repentance is that "godly sorrow" begins working conviction in us.
Godly sorrow that leads to salvation is a work of the Holy spirit of God.
Repentance begins with God working in our souls and convicting us of wrongdoing.
God's Holy Spirit begins work on a person by convicting them of sin.
And that sin is "not believing" in Christ. (see John 16:9)
The second step in repentance is convincing.
This too is a work of God's Holy Spirit.
He convinces us that though we have sinned, God is ready to forgive.
And that forgiveness comes by God as Savior (See John 16:10).
God illuminates the cross and shows us the passion of Christ to Himself suffer for our sins and offer His forgiveness.
The third step in repentance is realization of judgment.
This too is a work of God's Holy Spirit.
God not only convicts us that we are sinners, and convinces us that there is a Savior Whom we need, but He also makes us realize we will have to face Him one day and account for our lives.
That accounting for all we've done will be judged by the measuring stick of Christ - the perfect man (See John 16:11).
The fourth step in repentance that leads to salvation is partly a work of man, and mostly a work of God.
In order for us to be "made right" with God, we must turn around.
However, we can't even do that without God's help!
We only take the first step, then God takes over and completes the work.
You see, the only work man can do in repentance is SURRENDER to Christ as LORD!
It is upon our surrender to His Lordship in our lives that we receive faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
Once repentance has been worked, and we receive salvation, repentance then becomes continual in our lives.
As long as we live on this earth, we are still sinners.
God is daily working to convict, convince and bring us into a right relationship with Him.
Now. I said all that to say this.
Repentance is the first step in revival!
If you would be revived daily, repent daily!
Love ya!
Bruce