A Repentant Christian

1 of 22 from Psalm 119

Psalms 119:1-8  ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.  (2)  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.  (3)  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.  (4)  Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.  (5)  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!  (6)  Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.  (7)  I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.  (8)  I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

            In (vv 1-2) we see that God blesses those who walk in His Ways, but we see our blessings have a requirement, (vv 3-5) that we must turn away from sin.  In (vv 6-8) we see that the Christian realizes he must humble himself before the Lord.  This Psalm portion is aimed at Judaism.  (It was written for the Jews; however, we as Christians can apply this to our lives.)

1 Peter 5:5-6  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  (6)  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Peter begins by speaking to young people, but, the “Yea” includes all Christians.

            During my former Pastorate, everyone wanted the Blessings of God, yet many were not willing to drop to their knees and beg God for help.  They wanted to be on the prayer list, (but were more like a “lifetime welfare recipient” who expected “stuff” without qualification.)

            As men of God, we have accepted professions of Salvation without any obvious fruit.  (We have reduced Salvation to a simple acknowledgement of Jesus, with a Salvation Prayer.  We then pronounce Salvation without a single sign of repentance.)  This is all done to increase attendance in Sunday School and the Preaching Service, (with the intent of an increased tithe.)  There is no apparent “concern” that the person might not be saved.

            Another Old Testament verse that was stated for the Nation of Israel is 2 Chronicles 7:14.  However, I am using it here for the local New Testament Church (Christians.)

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Our Churches need to practice what we preach.  (Many of our congregations “look like” we are a Godly group.)  We must humbly repent, beg God for help, and in that repentant attitude turn from our wicked ways.

            “I can hear some now.”  “Bro John, I have never been wicked.  I am a good person.”  “Have you ever used company owned products for personal use?  If so, this is theft and that makes you a thief.  Men, have you ever looked at a woman (also ladies the men) with improper thoughts?  If so you have sinned.  Now, we have established you are a sinner and a thief, and both are wicked in Gods eyes.”

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

This is why we must humble ourselves and seek God’s face, because of what we are, sinners.  There is no one who is exempt.  The verse states, “For all have sinned” which includes the most holy person you know.  (Preacher included.)

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus tells us (without reservation) regardless of what you have done, or what you are, God loves you and wants to give you Everlasting Life.  Belief is all that He asks, but it must be with conviction in your heart, a conviction that desires you repent with a sincere heart.

            “Reader: Today, This Moment, Accept Jesus.  Desire His Gift of Eternal Life.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retired Pastor

Wylie, Texas

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