Today’s 333 Devotional: “Turn and Live”

“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live.” (Ezekiel 18:32)

Repentance involves our mental acceptance of the fact that we have sinned, and our sins have not only affected others but have hurt and wounded God. This should produce within us a deep heartfelt sorrow over what we have done. In other words, it should literally break our hearts when we think about it.

But it cannot stop there. This must be followed by a definite course of action where we turn away from our sin, directly to the Lord God who forgives our sin and cleanses us from all our iniquities (1 John 1:9).

Repentance is nothing short of God’s gracious gift of goodness. Paul said those who judge others are in truth judging themselves and hardening their hearts by not allowing God’s sanctifying work to be done within them. He says that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Repentance is vital to a believer’s walk and relationship with God. None of us should hesitate when convicted by the Holy Spirit to repent. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world, that is, you and I of sin, righteousness, and of the judgment to come (John 16:8).

God’s desire is for His people to repent and turn to Him.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Repentance is all about preparing the way for Jesus to come into our hearts. Jesus is also longsuffering, because He doesn’t want anyone to miss out on His blessing of heaven.

Therefore, listen to the Holy Spirit when He tells us of our sin and our need to repent and turn back to God. Don’t wait until tomorrow; do it today.

Repent, and believe in the Gospel!