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The First Steps in Justification, April 14
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31
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Many are confused as to what constitutes the first steps in the work
of salvation. Repentance is thought to be a work the sinner must do for
himself in order that he may come to Christ. They think that the sinner
must procure himself a fitness in order to obtain the blessing of God’s
grace. But while it is true that repentance must precede forgiveness, for
it is only the broken and contrite heart that is acceptable to God, yet the
sinner cannot bring himself to repentance, or prepare himself to come
to Christ.... The very first step to Christ is taken through the drawing of
the Spirit of God; as man responds to this drawing, he advances toward
Christ in order that he may repent....
When before the high priests and Sadducees, Peter clearly presented
the fact that repentance is the gift of God. Speaking of Christ, he said,
“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Repentance is
no less the gift of God than are pardon and justification, and it cannot be
experienced except as it is given to the soul by Christ. If we are drawn
to Christ, it is through His power and virtue. The grace of contrition
comes through Him, and from Him comes justification.
Who is desirous of becoming truly repentant? What must he do? He
must come to Jesus, just as he is, without delay. He must believe that
the word of Christ is true, and, believing the promise, ask, that he may
receive. When sincere desire prompts men to pray, they will not pray
in vain. The Lord will fulfill His word, and will give the Holy Spirit to
lead to repentance.... With prayer he [the repentant sinner] will mingle
faith, and not only believe in but obey the precepts of the law.... He will
renounce all habits and associations that tend to draw the heart from
God.
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