We often think that simply confessing our sins is the same as true repentance. But God calls us to a deeper level of heart transformation. True repentance involves a reverential fear of the Lord, a fear that leads us to honor and glorify Him in every aspect of our lives.
As we surrender our hearts to God, He refines us through trials and challenges, shaping us into His treasured possession. Though the process may be painful, it ultimately produces beautiful, godly character. So let's embrace the refining fire and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives.
This coming day when Jesus returns, and God's kingdom comes sounds amazing and it will be. It sounds miraculous, and it is. However, God is a Holy God. Our Father is perfect in everything, in every way, always. When he comes near sin, evil, unrighteousness…it is all consumed. And we are not holy! For those who fear Him, though, we do not stand alone. Our advocate, our mediator, our savior opens the palms of his hands to reveal his wounds. The wounds we deserved. And the Judge will declare us innocent. And we respond to this certainty of future grace with righteous living, renewed eyes for the lost, endurance to live in the here and now, and hope for the coming day of the Lord
