Day 183 - Ezekiel Friday (chapters 13-18)
“Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.” (Ezekiel 18:30 ESV)
Through the prophet Ezekiel God is calling sinners to repent or face ruin. In this verse God teaches us to see repentance as more than merely saying we’re sorry for our sins. He is calling us to turn from our sin.
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17 ESV) The Greek word used for “repentance” (metanoia), has been misinterpreted for centuries, leading people to think that they must do something (penance) to make up for their sins. The correct interpretation is calling sinners to repent, to have heart-felt sorrow for their sins. Such sincere repentance naturally leads you to attempt to amend your sinful life.
“Do you promise that with the aid of the Holy Ghost you will henceforth amend your sinful life? Then declare so by saying: I do so promise. Verily, you should promise, for Christ, the Lord, says. ‘Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’” (The Order of the Confessional Service, The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, page 48)
And then we get to hear these words:
“Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Thank You, Lord God, for answering my heart-felt confession and for granting me the priceless gift of forgiveness for Christ’s sake. Strengthen me to amend my sinful life and to glorify You. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
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