Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the LORD their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the LORD, the God of their ancestors. (2 Chronicles 34:33 NIV)
King Josiah lead the last revival of Judah before its destruction by the Babylonians. There was a great revival, one of the greatest revival of Israel. It probably laid the foundation of faith for those who would be exiled to Babylon. These would later form the nucleus of the next generation of Jews who would return to Israel after their exile from Babylon.
It was a great revival, but short-lived. When Josiah died, the revival died with him. The people went back to worship the queen of heaven.
No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as was kept by Josiah, and the priests and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 35:18 ESV)
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Conversion And Repentance
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance (μετάνοιαν) toward (εἰς) God, and faith (πίστιν) toward (εἰς) our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21 KJV)
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21 NIV)
Many Christians tell me that conversion begins with repentance and genuine repentance begins with heartfelt conviction of sin.
My personal take on repentance, based on the original Hebrew and Greek word for repentance is that conversion begins with repentance and genuine repentance is realizing who Jesus (God) is.
Many people are aware of their sins. That is why they turn to religions to resolve the issue. But genuine repentance begins with knowing who God is.
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21 NIV)
Many Christians tell me that conversion begins with repentance and genuine repentance begins with heartfelt conviction of sin.
My personal take on repentance, based on the original Hebrew and Greek word for repentance is that conversion begins with repentance and genuine repentance is realizing who Jesus (God) is.
Many people are aware of their sins. That is why they turn to religions to resolve the issue. But genuine repentance begins with knowing who God is.
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
Monday, August 13, 2018
Repentance Proven by Fruit
I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God - and prove they have changed by the good things they do. (Acts 26:20 NLT)
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8 ESV)
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (Luke 3:8 NIV)
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8 ESV)
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (Luke 3:8 NIV)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Naaman Changed His Mind
But Naaman became angry and stalked away. "I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!" he said. "I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! Aren't the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn't I wash in them and be healed?" So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
But his officers tried to reason with him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'" So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!
Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant." (2 Kings 5:11-15 NLT)
The Greek words for repent in New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind". The Hebrew word for repent is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
Like so many people in the world, general Naaman did not know the true God. He thought that all gods were the same, whether Aramean or Israelite. But after dipping in Jordan, he changed his mind.
But his officers tried to reason with him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'" So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!
Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant." (2 Kings 5:11-15 NLT)
The Greek words for repent in New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind". The Hebrew word for repent is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
Like so many people in the world, general Naaman did not know the true God. He thought that all gods were the same, whether Aramean or Israelite. But after dipping in Jordan, he changed his mind.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Repentance - Personal Testimony
The Greek words for repent in New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind". The Hebrew word for repent is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
When I was in secondary two, I had a Buddhist friend and a Christian friend. One day they decided to have a debate about the six-day creation. I was asked to be the judge. After reading the first chapter of the Bible, I felt that if there is a true God that created the heavens and the earth, the God in Genesis chapter one fits the bill. This is repentance. I changed my mind about God. I think if there is a God, that is what He should be like. But this is not a repentance to salvation because I did not accept that there is a God. I just say, "If there is a God."
In the year 1973 on the first day of the second month, I was walking outside the squash court, a friend sitting on a bench called to me. He spoke to me about Jesus and somehow, I accepted Jesus as my savior and prayed the sinner's prayer. After that, I kept saying to myself, "Now I am a Christian" although I don't have a Bible and did not attend any church. I just joined my school's Christian fellowship every Wednesday before the start of school. This is Repentance with a capital R. I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I changed my mind and changed my direction toward Jesus although at that moment, I knew very little. I always mark this day as my new birth.
Despite being a Christian, I still have very little knowledge and I remembered disagreeing with one verse in the Bible, Isaiah 64:6. When I read that "all our righteousness are as filthy rags", I said, "How can that be? What about people like Confucius and Mencius? Is their righteousness also filthy rags?" I cannot accept that. Somewhere down the road, another repentance occurred. I realized that the Bible is always right. The righteousness of Confucius and Mencius are indeed filthy rags. But there was no marker to date this change. It must have been a gradual process.
When I was in secondary two, I had a Buddhist friend and a Christian friend. One day they decided to have a debate about the six-day creation. I was asked to be the judge. After reading the first chapter of the Bible, I felt that if there is a true God that created the heavens and the earth, the God in Genesis chapter one fits the bill. This is repentance. I changed my mind about God. I think if there is a God, that is what He should be like. But this is not a repentance to salvation because I did not accept that there is a God. I just say, "If there is a God."
In the year 1973 on the first day of the second month, I was walking outside the squash court, a friend sitting on a bench called to me. He spoke to me about Jesus and somehow, I accepted Jesus as my savior and prayed the sinner's prayer. After that, I kept saying to myself, "Now I am a Christian" although I don't have a Bible and did not attend any church. I just joined my school's Christian fellowship every Wednesday before the start of school. This is Repentance with a capital R. I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I changed my mind and changed my direction toward Jesus although at that moment, I knew very little. I always mark this day as my new birth.
Despite being a Christian, I still have very little knowledge and I remembered disagreeing with one verse in the Bible, Isaiah 64:6. When I read that "all our righteousness are as filthy rags", I said, "How can that be? What about people like Confucius and Mencius? Is their righteousness also filthy rags?" I cannot accept that. Somewhere down the road, another repentance occurred. I realized that the Bible is always right. The righteousness of Confucius and Mencius are indeed filthy rags. But there was no marker to date this change. It must have been a gradual process.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Repentance Old and New Testament
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. (Hosea 11:1-2 NLT)
So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. (Acts 17:22-23 NLT)
True repentance turns one toward Christ.
True repentance changed one's mind about Christ.
The Hebrew word for repent in the Old Testament is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
The Greek words for repent in the New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind".
Israelites are like second generation Christians. They know God but refused to follow Him. To repent is to return to God and follow Him.
Gentiles are like first generation Christians. They know nothing about the true God. Their ideas of god or gods came from their parents, religion and culture. When they find out about the true God, they change their mind about God and follow Him.
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. (Acts 3:19 NLT)
So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. (Acts 17:22-23 NLT)
True repentance turns one toward Christ.
True repentance changed one's mind about Christ.
The Hebrew word for repent in the Old Testament is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
The Greek words for repent in the New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind".
Israelites are like second generation Christians. They know God but refused to follow Him. To repent is to return to God and follow Him.
Gentiles are like first generation Christians. They know nothing about the true God. Their ideas of god or gods came from their parents, religion and culture. When they find out about the true God, they change their mind about God and follow Him.
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. (Acts 3:19 NLT)
Monday, July 16, 2018
Repentance For Second Generation Christians
You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. (James 2:19 NLT)
The Greek words for repent in New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind". The Hebrew word for repent is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
For second generation Christians who has been indoctrinated by parents and church about God, sin and salvation and are convinced that there is one God and two ways, what kind of repentance is needed?
There are many that is convinced that there is one God. The demons also believe in one God. The repentance required that will separate true believers from demons is the belief that this one God is our savior. We can totally trust this one God for our salvation. The demons believe in one God and they know that this one God will doom them in hell, which is why they trembled in terror.
Sadly, many who know that there is only one God, refuse to follow Him. They wish reality is something else. They are reluctant to follow, preferring to strike out their own path, while at the same time, convinced that it may be futile.
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68 KJV)
The Greek words for repent in New Testament are μετανοέω and μεταμεληθεὶς which mean "I change my mind". The Hebrew word for repent is שׁוּב, which mean "to turn back, return".
For second generation Christians who has been indoctrinated by parents and church about God, sin and salvation and are convinced that there is one God and two ways, what kind of repentance is needed?
There are many that is convinced that there is one God. The demons also believe in one God. The repentance required that will separate true believers from demons is the belief that this one God is our savior. We can totally trust this one God for our salvation. The demons believe in one God and they know that this one God will doom them in hell, which is why they trembled in terror.
Sadly, many who know that there is only one God, refuse to follow Him. They wish reality is something else. They are reluctant to follow, preferring to strike out their own path, while at the same time, convinced that it may be futile.
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68 KJV)
Sunday, July 15, 2018
True Repentance
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20 NIV)
In English, repentance seems to mean "a turning from sin." The Cambridge dictionary defines repent as "To be very sorry for something bad you have done in the past and wish that you had not done it:"(UK) or "to be sorry you did or did not do something:"(US).
In the Bible, the Greek word translated as repent means "a change of mind". When that change of mind results in action that lead to Christ, it is a true repentance.
Judas repented, but he had "a change of mind" about what he had done. He did not turn to Christ, but turned to himself and found no hope. He then committed suicide. That is not true repentance.
Peter wept bitterly (Luke 22:62) about his denial of Jesus. But he turned back to Jesus. This is true repentance.
In English, repentance seems to mean "a turning from sin." The Cambridge dictionary defines repent as "To be very sorry for something bad you have done in the past and wish that you had not done it:"(UK) or "to be sorry you did or did not do something:"(US).
In the Bible, the Greek word translated as repent means "a change of mind". When that change of mind results in action that lead to Christ, it is a true repentance.
Judas repented, but he had "a change of mind" about what he had done. He did not turn to Christ, but turned to himself and found no hope. He then committed suicide. That is not true repentance.
Peter wept bitterly (Luke 22:62) about his denial of Jesus. But he turned back to Jesus. This is true repentance.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Judas Repented, Regretted or Felt Remorseful
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (Matthew 27:3 KJV)
Now when Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he regretted what he had done and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders, (Matthew 27:3 NET)
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. (Matthew 27:3 NIV)
The Greek word behind remorse/repent/regret, μεταμεληθεὶς, is found 6 times in the New Testament and translated as "repent" in the KJV. Though not the usual Greek word used for repentance, it is not always negative. Basically it seems to indicate changing of the mind about something.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (Matthew 21:29 KJV)
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. (Matthew 21:32 KJV)
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (Matthew 27:3 KJV)
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. (2 Corinthians 7:8 KJV)
(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) (Hebrews 7:21 KJV)
μεταμεληθεὶς
According to Strong, this is the meaning:
Literally: I change one care or interest for another
I change my mind (generally for the better), repent, regret.
You can read more about the correctness of translation this article, 'In Matthew 27:3, did Judas "repent" or "feel remorse"? - Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange'.
For those who use KJV may ask, if repentance was the pre-requisite for salvation, why wasn't Judas saved since he repented?
Repentance in Greek simply means to think differently afterwards; a change of mind. If the repentance is toward God, we shall be saved. Judas repented but not toward God. Whether he changed his mind, repented, regretted or feel remorseful is not important. The important thing was what he did next. He did not seek out Jesus. He went and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).
Now when Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus had been condemned, he regretted what he had done and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders, (Matthew 27:3 NET)
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. (Matthew 27:3 NIV)
The Greek word behind remorse/repent/regret, μεταμεληθεὶς, is found 6 times in the New Testament and translated as "repent" in the KJV. Though not the usual Greek word used for repentance, it is not always negative. Basically it seems to indicate changing of the mind about something.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (Matthew 21:29 KJV)
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. (Matthew 21:32 KJV)
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (Matthew 27:3 KJV)
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. (2 Corinthians 7:8 KJV)
(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) (Hebrews 7:21 KJV)
μεταμεληθεὶς
According to Strong, this is the meaning:
Literally: I change one care or interest for another
I change my mind (generally for the better), repent, regret.
You can read more about the correctness of translation this article, 'In Matthew 27:3, did Judas "repent" or "feel remorse"? - Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange'.
For those who use KJV may ask, if repentance was the pre-requisite for salvation, why wasn't Judas saved since he repented?
Repentance in Greek simply means to think differently afterwards; a change of mind. If the repentance is toward God, we shall be saved. Judas repented but not toward God. Whether he changed his mind, repented, regretted or feel remorseful is not important. The important thing was what he did next. He did not seek out Jesus. He went and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
From Hope To Faith
Before we become a Christian, we need to be convinced that the Bible is true and Jesus is the true God and savior.
After we become a Christian, we need to be convinced that the promises in the Bible are true and God answers prayers.
As a new Christian, when we say, "God will answer my prayers", we are expressing a hope.
After many years of experience as a Christian, when we say, "God will answer my prayers", we are expressing our faith.
After we become a Christian, we need to be convinced that the promises in the Bible are true and God answers prayers.
As a new Christian, when we say, "God will answer my prayers", we are expressing a hope.
After many years of experience as a Christian, when we say, "God will answer my prayers", we are expressing our faith.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
"Not My People" Become "My People"
Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God." (Hosea 1:10 ESV)
"And in that day I will answer, declares the LORD, I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth, and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil, and they shall answer Jezreel, and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, 'You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God.'" (Hosea 2:21-23 ESV)
As indeed he says in Hosea, "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.'" (Romans 9:25 ESV)
Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10 ESV)
Ephraim was changed from "not my people" to "my people".
Gentiles who became Christians were changed from "not my people" to "my people".
So the following could be true:
"And in that day I will answer, declares the LORD, I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth, and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil, and they shall answer Jezreel, and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, 'You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God.'" (Hosea 2:21-23 ESV)
As indeed he says in Hosea, "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.'" (Romans 9:25 ESV)
Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:10 ESV)
Ephraim was changed from "not my people" to "my people".
Gentiles who became Christians were changed from "not my people" to "my people".
So the following could be true:
- Gentiles who became Christians will join the tribe of Ephraim during the millennial kingdom.
- Some Christians could be the descendants of the lost tribes of Israel and will rejoin their respective tribes during the millennial kingdom.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
The Mercy And Patience of God Toward Jehoiakim
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
This message came to Jeremiah from the Lord early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah. "This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard in front of the Temple of the Lord, and make an announcement to the people who have come there to worship from all over Judah. Give them my entire message; include every word. Perhaps they will listen and turn from their evil ways. Then I will change my mind about the disaster I am ready to pour out on them because of their sins. (Jeremiah 26:1-3 NLT)
During the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king in Judah, the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah: "Get a scroll, and write down all my messages against Israel, Judah, and the other nations. Begin with the first message back in the days of Josiah, and write down every message, right up to the present time. Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings." (Jeremiah 36:1-3 NLT)
This message came to Jeremiah from the Lord early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah. "This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard in front of the Temple of the Lord, and make an announcement to the people who have come there to worship from all over Judah. Give them my entire message; include every word. Perhaps they will listen and turn from their evil ways. Then I will change my mind about the disaster I am ready to pour out on them because of their sins. (Jeremiah 26:1-3 NLT)
During the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king in Judah, the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah: "Get a scroll, and write down all my messages against Israel, Judah, and the other nations. Begin with the first message back in the days of Josiah, and write down every message, right up to the present time. Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings." (Jeremiah 36:1-3 NLT)
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Repentance
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21 KJV)
Repentance in Greek - to think differently afterwards; a change of mind.
Repentance in Hebrew - to change the direction.
We need repentance toward God. We need to think differently about God and Jesus Christ. We recognize our sins and realized our need for a savior. When we do that, we can have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Repentance in Greek - to think differently afterwards; a change of mind.
Repentance in Hebrew - to change the direction.
We need repentance toward God. We need to think differently about God and Jesus Christ. We recognize our sins and realized our need for a savior. When we do that, we can have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
God's Repentance (נָחַם)
God does not change His mind.
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19 KJV)
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. (1 Samuel 15:29 KJV)
God changes His mind because He is merciful.
And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. (Psalm 106:45 KJV)
We are all glad that God changes His mind because He is merciful.
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:6-8 KJV)
And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. (Exodus 32:14 KJV)
And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. (2 Samuel 24:16 KJV)
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10 KJV)
Sometimes, God changes His mind because His mercies have ended.
And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. (1 Samuel 15:35 KJV)
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19 KJV)
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. (1 Samuel 15:29 KJV)
God changes His mind because He is merciful.
And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. (Psalm 106:45 KJV)
We are all glad that God changes His mind because He is merciful.
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:6-8 KJV)
And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. (Exodus 32:14 KJV)
And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. (2 Samuel 24:16 KJV)
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10 KJV)
Sometimes, God changes His mind because His mercies have ended.
And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. (1 Samuel 15:35 KJV)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Grace: An Opportunity for Repentance
Grace is not a license to sin but an opportunity for repentance.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? (Romans 6:1 NASB)
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16 ESV)
For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4 NASB)
Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 HCSB)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? (Romans 6:1 NASB)
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16 ESV)
For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4 NASB)
Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 HCSB)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Restitution
Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering (Leviticus 6:5 KJV).
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift (Matthew 5:23-24 KJV).
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep (Exodus 22:1 KJV).
One must restore to the offended brother full restitution and add to it one-fifth more before offering the trespass offering to God. In Luke 19, Zaccheus is willing to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay four-fold restitution to those he has defrauded.
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift (Matthew 5:23-24 KJV).
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep (Exodus 22:1 KJV).
One must restore to the offended brother full restitution and add to it one-fifth more before offering the trespass offering to God. In Luke 19, Zaccheus is willing to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay four-fold restitution to those he has defrauded.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The sun rises on the evil and on the good
"for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45 KJV)."
Many had interpreted the mercy of God as amoral nature. Lao-zi (老子) in his book, Dao De Jing (道德經) chapter 5 (第五章) said, "Heaven and Earth are not humane, and treat the myriad creatures as straw dogs; (天地不仁，以萬物為芻狗。)" Obviously Lao-zi realised that God makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. The just may not be rewarded and the unjust may not be punished. Buddha also realised this, and attributed the bad things that happened to good people were caused by the bad things done in their past lives.
But the Bible tells us that God "is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)."
Many who cries out for justice assumed that they were righteous, not knowing that in the sight of the holy and sinless God, "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 KJV)." Except they repent, they shall likewise perish (Luke 13:3, 13:5).
Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. (Malachi 3:1-2 NASB)"
Many had interpreted the mercy of God as amoral nature. Lao-zi (老子) in his book, Dao De Jing (道德經) chapter 5 (第五章) said, "Heaven and Earth are not humane, and treat the myriad creatures as straw dogs; (天地不仁，以萬物為芻狗。)" Obviously Lao-zi realised that God makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. The just may not be rewarded and the unjust may not be punished. Buddha also realised this, and attributed the bad things that happened to good people were caused by the bad things done in their past lives.
But the Bible tells us that God "is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)."
Many who cries out for justice assumed that they were righteous, not knowing that in the sight of the holy and sinless God, "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 KJV)." Except they repent, they shall likewise perish (Luke 13:3, 13:5).
Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. (Malachi 3:1-2 NASB)"
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