Repentance is vital before the Lord. The Bible says that we have all fallen short of the glory of God and that there is not one perfect person in the world. The Lord Jesus Christ was the only One who walked a perfect life as He walked the Earth. Therefore He was able to give Himself willingly as a living sacrifice for all mankind, that we might live and have life more abundantly. In knowing and accepting Christ each human being can have the opportunity to enter into repentance and a blessed life in Him.
To repent means to turn away from sin and let loose of the things that have kept you bound. To first repent, one must come before the Lord and pray to God saying; “Lord, forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I receive You into my heart to be the Lord of my life.” It is in this that a person makes the first step. Then, it is about laying down the sin that you know is wrong and keeping you from having a more fruitful and close walk with God. You cannot achieve this in your own strength though. It is important to ask the Holy Sprit to be with you and help you to walk a life of purity and integrity. When you do this, the burden of sin is lifted and your relationship with the Lord grows; and you become more sensitive to His voice in your life.
The Bible teaches us that the flesh of man is ever at war with God. When these challenges come it is vital to submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. This means making choices contrary to your flesh and obeying the Spirit of God. This is how your flesh decreases and the Spirit of God increases in your life. There are many examples of repentance in the Word of God. One example has to do with King David.
The Bible describes King David as a “man after God’s own heart.” He loved and served God. He made mistakes though and fell short on several accounts. However, when this happened he would come before the Lord and repent, humbling himself, and making it right. In one instance David committed adultery with a married woman named Bathsheba. He sent this woman’s husband into battle with the intent of her husband being killed. He did this so he could be with her and take her as his own. This angered God and displeased Him greatly (2 Samuel 11). So He sent Nathan the Prophet to correct David and to speak judgment over him for what he had done. In this, David chose to repent and turn to the Lord, and so the Lord spared David’s life. David had great consequences throughout his life for what he had done, but because of his repentance God released grace towards him (2 Samuel 12).
It is in your repentance that the Lord will extend His grace to you as well. It is not about being a perfect person, but a humble person with a repented heart. Today, we encourage you to come before the Lord in repentance, and to ask Him to help you live a life more pleasing to Him. You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I welcome You into my heart to be the Lord of my life. Forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I receive Your sacrifice and I welcome Your Holy Spirit to be with me and to lead, guide, and direct me. I ask that You would help me to live a repented life and to walk in Your ways and Your blessings.
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen
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