God's Glory Church

“The Lord does not resist… but he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to perish.” — 2 Peter 3:9

At the end of his life, John Perkins left a message to the people he was parting with. Perkins, a prominent proponent of racial reconciliation, said, “Repentance is the only way to return to God. If you don’t repent, you will all perish.”

These words are a repetition of what Jesus and many other heroes of the Bible said. Commenting on the death of the Galilean pilgrims, the Lord said: “If you do not repent, you will all perish like this!” (Luke 13:3). The Apostle Peter told people: “Repent and be converted, so that He may have mercy on your sins” (Acts 3:19).

In the Old Testament, we read the words of another person who wanted the people to convert to God. In the farewell speech “to all Israel” (1 Sam. 12:1), the prophet and judge Samuel said: “Do not be afraid! You have done all that evil, but do not depart from the Lord, and serve the Lord with all your heart” (v. 20). It was also a sermon calling for repentance. Samuel begged the people to turn away from evil and turn to God with all their souls.

We are all sinners and fall short of God’s standard. Therefore, we also need to repent, that is, turn away from sin and turn to Jesus Christ, who forgives and gives strength to follow Him. Let’s listen to the parting words of John Perkins and the prophet Samuel, who knew how God can use the power of repentance to make us those who will bring Him glory.

Why is it important to leave sin and ask Christ for forgiveness? What does it mean to follow God with all your heart?

God, lead me to true repentance. Help me to confess my sins and fully rely on the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Author: David Brenon