In todays world no one likes the word repent. It means “1: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life 2a: to feel regret or contrition b: to change one's mind” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repent It means having to acknowledge sin. According to Mirriam Webster Dictionary sin means “an offense against religious or moral law” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sin
Everyone likes doing things their way. So to adhere to a “religious or moral law” is loathsome in their view. “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NASB)
Friends, please take note of the season in time we are living. Look around what do you see? “6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” Matthew 24:6-8 (NASB) If there are birth pangs, then birth must follow.
Now is not a time to walk in ignorance.
Repent!
Acts 17:30-31 New American Standard Bible 1995
“30 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge [a]the world in righteousness [b]through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men [c]by raising Him from the dead.”
Ezekiel 33:11 New American Standard Bible 1995
“11 Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord [a]God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’” While this specifically addresses Israel, the gentiles have been grafted in and it applies to us as well.
Since Eve ate from the tree that was in the middle of the garden, mankind has chosen to do what he wants. Some people chose to follow God’s law and others chose to rebel. Rebellion in God’s eyes equals sin. He gave His laws to assist humans in making right choices. He also gave free will.
“22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23 King James Version
2 Corinthians 6:2 New American Standard Bible 1995 “for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation.”
Today you can accept Jesus as your savior and lord. “Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 NASB
Life is eternal. Where you spend it is up to you.
Picture by Aaron Burden/Unsplash