A Call for Repentance

August 16, 2015 Background Scripture: Ezekiel 18; Proverbs 21:2 – 15 Lesson Passage: Ezekiel 18:1 – 13, 30 – 32 Repentance is one of the most necessary and recurring acts in the life of a Christian. The need constantly arises out of the Christian’s dual nature of flesh and spirit. We have a heavenly desire because of the regenerated spirit in us but that desire is often intertwined with an earthly or worldly inclination brought on by our flesh. Sometimes we yield to the worldly and we suffer dearly and experience the loss of spiritual fellowship with God. The faith of some may even become shipwrecked because they cannot discern the difference between fellowship with God and spiritual position in Christ. For those who know the difference, we cry out even as David did: Restore unto me the joy of my salvation. Still others become hard-hearted and continue to pursue their worldly inclinations without sensing the impending danger brought on by ignoring the conviction wrought in us by the presence of the Holy Ghost. Whatever the situation or state we find ourselves in, at any given time, many of us are in need of repentance. Much more than a mere desire, there is a deeply imbedded need to “come clean” with God and ask for restoration that only He can provide. True repentance recognizes the wrongness of our thoughts and/or actions towards God, a desire to be right with God, a desire to have fellowship with God, and the need to be restored by God. We cannot embrace the world and earnestly seek God’s face at the same time. We will be true to one and hate the other. Again, repentance is one of the most necessary acts in the life of a Christian. The need for repentance causes an emotional and mental conflict within a person. This emotional and mental conflict did not begin with Christians. Each person who enters into covenant with God struggles with repentance. Israel was often reminded by God’s prophets about her need to repent. When Israel would stray from following after God and suffer the consequences of it, God would send prophets to call her to repentance. In today’s lesson, God sent a message by Ezekiel to call the people to personal repentance. This act of repentance was not going to be a national event but a nationwide event. God demanded that each person take responsibility for their own sin. The children would not bear the responsibility of the parents’ sin but neither would the parents bear the responsibility for the sin of the children. Every soul belongs to God and each must repent of their own sin. There would be no generational curse but rather individual accountability to God. Spiritual revival was going to take place on an individual basis. No one was exempt because all had sin. God was not pleased at the suffering of people because of their transgressions. Judgment would be upon each individual according to their righteousness or wickedness. Repentance is the only hope for renewed fellowship with the Lord. When we are under conviction by the Holy Ghost, let us heed the call for repentance. Robert C. Hudson July 30, 2015