“Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. “Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” (vv.30-32)
“Repent and live!” is the message at the center of God’s approach to justice and judgment. He takes no pleasure in punishing the wicked, but stands ready to forgive all who turn to Him. God’s moral law is not as hard as iron, but is tempered by the softness of His mercy. A new heart and spirit are not something we can earn, but He stands ready to give them (v. 31).
A turnaround is always possible for the sinner. This is what God was saying to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel. Because He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, He pleads with them to repent. Salvation is not turning over a new leaf, but receiving a new life.
If you’re feeling that you’ve wandered too far away from God and that He is through with you, it’s time to embrace the truth, “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourself a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die?” Simply accept the Father’s invitation to “turn and live” today?
(see prayer to the right on this page, "Connect with God.")
The Truth: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD.” (Acts 3:19)
“Repent and live!” is the message at the center of God’s approach to justice and judgment. He takes no pleasure in punishing the wicked, but stands ready to forgive all who turn to Him. God’s moral law is not as hard as iron, but is tempered by the softness of His mercy. A new heart and spirit are not something we can earn, but He stands ready to give them (v. 31).
A turnaround is always possible for the sinner. This is what God was saying to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel. Because He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, He pleads with them to repent. Salvation is not turning over a new leaf, but receiving a new life.
If you’re feeling that you’ve wandered too far away from God and that He is through with you, it’s time to embrace the truth, “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourself a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die?” Simply accept the Father’s invitation to “turn and live” today?
(see prayer to the right on this page, "Connect with God.")
The Truth: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD.” (Acts 3:19)
