Repentance & Confession: On Earth as it is In Heaven #02

On Earth as it is In Heaven 02: Repentance & Confession

 

In this sermon, Rev. Christian Dove preaches through the parables of Luke 15 to instruct upon the critical importance of Repentance and Confession as an essential component of all worship: both public and private.

 

In these parables given to the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus is answering their question and complain as to why “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

 

Through the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin we learn that God loves a repentant heart, and He actively pursues after those who are lost in order that they may be found. God doesn't receive repentant sinners coldly or begrudgingly, but with resounding joy!

 

In the Parable of the Lost Prodigal Son we learn what repentance looks like: it is a return to the Father. Prodigal means "lavish or extravagant" and this son left his Father and squandered his inheritance on lavish (sinful) living. But when he resolves to return to his Father, not only does his Father forgive him but he lavishly and extravagantly pours out His love and grace upon the son—fully restoring his status in the household. We likewise return to our Father every time we approach Him in worship, prayer, and devotion. The resolve to return to God is indicative that we understand our need for Him. 

 

Finally, we see how repentance calls us to confession: to recognize and admit our sins and fault before the Throne of Grace and seek His mercy. Confession demonstrates that we recognize and respect the holiness of God, and the perfect demands of His righteousness. The Good News is that we have a guarantee of that grace, love, and mercy in our Lord Jesus Christ who is the perfect Son in our stead. Psalm 32 teaches us "he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him." And I John 1:9 teaches us that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

 

Whenever we sin—and we will sin—we are called to return to God with a humble heart in confession. God has promised, through the work of Christ, to forgive those sins every single time. Let us remember to confess our sins whenever we approach God Almighty—in humility for our sin, but also in joyful hope for our sure forgiveness!