Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Sorrow and Salvation

2 Corinthians 7:1 & 10
"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God....
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. "

Why does godly sorrow produce salvation?... because the promises of God are true. Repentance produces peace and hope in the light of the promises of God. He is faithful and just and will forgive us and restore us (1 John 1:9). But the world does not have the promises of God nor the Holy Spirit speaking into their hearts. Therefore, sorrow and conviction only lead to discouragement and depression leading to death. There is only condemnation for those not in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). No wonder that in our country as Jesus and the Bible are systematically removed from society - the marks of this generation are depression, doubt, divorce, debt, suicide, hopelessness and despair. And so, we are the ambassadors of hope, bearing in our hearts and lives the promises of God and demonstrating them in all that we do and say. My sin does not defeat me but only strengthens my resolve and hope in the faithful promises of God.

Father - may the world see the hope in me through godly sorrow and true repentance. Help me demonstrate Your promises today. Amen.

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