I recognize your time is valuable. I'd like to share with you something very important, in as few words as possible. The bible teaches that we are born under the burden of sin and guilt, for having violated the moral Law of God. God's law is to love perfectly; anything less is sin. [1] There is a penalty for sin ~ death and punishment forever. [2] This may seem extreme, but truly it is justice. All sins are committed against the infinite dignity and glory of the holy Creator of all. Sin is treason against God Himself. The Judge of All must execute justice in order to be righteous. He punished fallen angels and He will punish sinful humanity. [3]
Remarkably, the bible proclaims good news: God chose from before time to show mercy to multitudes of people. He accomplished this by sending His eternal Son in the form of a real man, Jesus. The Son came to live, suffer, and die in the place of those He came to save. [4] Christ is willing to save sinners [5], and warns that, "unless you repent you will perish." [6]
Repentance is a matter of everlasting life and death, yet few know what the term really means. Repentance means "turning away". Repentance leading to salvation is more than turning from certain sins, as if to counter-balance one's past by "living better" from now on. The repentance which Jesus says is necessary to salvation isn't even promising to quit all of one's sinful habits, however right that effort is in itself.
Repentance unto everlasting life means turning entirely from a self-oriented legal relationship with God based on personal merit and good deeds, to one that trusts only in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as the just, full satisfaction for all one's righteousness. [7]
For a more detailed explanation of the gospel, please read the post, Limited Time and Infinitely Good News.
[1] Rom. 3:23
[2] Rom. 6:23
[3] Psa. 51:4, Gen. 18:25
[4] Exo. 34:7; Rev. 7:9; Rev. 13:8
[5] 1 Tim. 1:15
[6] Luke 13:3
[7] Rom. 5:1, Titus 3:4-8; Gal. 3:11
[8] Rom. 4:5
[9] Heb. 4:14-16
[10] 2 Cor. 3:18
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© Michael Spotts:. 2010
———————
You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this article in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and that you do not charge any fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For printed copies, as well as web posting, please include the following statement:
By M. Benjamin Spotts:.
Copyright © The Open Life
www.theopenlife.com
Titus 3:3-8
Remarkably, the bible proclaims good news: God chose from before time to show mercy to multitudes of people. He accomplished this by sending His eternal Son in the form of a real man, Jesus. The Son came to live, suffer, and die in the place of those He came to save. [4] Christ is willing to save sinners [5], and warns that, "unless you repent you will perish." [6]
Repentance is a matter of everlasting life and death, yet few know what the term really means. Repentance means "turning away". Repentance leading to salvation is more than turning from certain sins, as if to counter-balance one's past by "living better" from now on. The repentance which Jesus says is necessary to salvation isn't even promising to quit all of one's sinful habits, however right that effort is in itself.
Repentance unto everlasting life means turning entirely from a self-oriented legal relationship with God based on personal merit and good deeds, to one that trusts only in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as the just, full satisfaction for all one's righteousness. [7]
"To him that does not work, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." [8]Gospel repentance is looking to Christ alone to be one's Representative before God in every way. [9] True repentance changes the whole direction of life toward God, from personal legalism to gratitude for His having freely granted and secured salvation through faith in Christ alone. Those who repent cast everything upon Christ and embark on lives purified in the pursuit of conformity to His character. [10]
For a more detailed explanation of the gospel, please read the post, Limited Time and Infinitely Good News.
[1] Rom. 3:23
[2] Rom. 6:23
[3] Psa. 51:4, Gen. 18:25
[4] Exo. 34:7; Rev. 7:9; Rev. 13:8
[5] 1 Tim. 1:15
[6] Luke 13:3
[7] Rom. 5:1, Titus 3:4-8; Gal. 3:11
[8] Rom. 4:5
[9] Heb. 4:14-16
[10] 2 Cor. 3:18
Was this helpful to you? Please share. Thanks!
© Michael Spotts:. 2010
———————
You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this article in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and that you do not charge any fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For printed copies, as well as web posting, please include the following statement:
By M. Benjamin Spotts:.
Copyright © The Open Life
www.theopenlife.com
Titus 3:3-8
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