A Call to Repentance
God really hates sin.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 6:23 (KJV)
I think people sometimes take this for granted, but please understand that sin (transgression of the Law) is a direct insult against the character of God.
God wants us to come to repentance.
The Lord 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)
We repent so that our sins may be blotted out.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
- Acts 3:19-21 (KJV)
Unfortunately these days "repentance" is a dirty word.
But carefully consider that faith without works (of repentance) is dead.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
- James 2:26 (KJV)
Those who practice lawlessness (not repenting) shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
- Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)
Even those who say "Lord, Lord", prophesy, cast out demons, and do wonders are not safe.
The will of God is for us to repent (obey the Law).
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
- Revelation 22:14 (KJV)
That's why we ought to repent of our sins.
It's important!!