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LED TO REPENTANCE
It is the goodness of God that leads sinners to
repentance. Proof: “Or despisest thou the
riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that
the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
(Romans 2:3). Notice the following things.
First of all, repentance is necessary if a
sinner is to be saved from eternal punishment. Jesus said,
“...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish,” (Luke 13:5). Paul preached
everywhere “...repentance toward God, and
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Acts
20:21). The question is, have you repented (turned from sin to God) and
trusted Jesus Christ?
Second, sinners have to be led to
repentance. Those who repent are brought to that place by the power of God.
They do not come by their own ability to repentance and faith. If they did,
sinners could please God, but the Bible says,
“...they that are in the flesh cannot please
God,” (Romans 8:8). Sinners must be drawn
to Jesus – drawn like Paul was dragged out of the city and like Peter drew
out his sword – a superior power must act upon sinners. We know this because
Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except
the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last
day,” (John 6:44).
The third thing to notice in the phrase
“the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” is this: it is not the
knowledge of the goodness of God that leads sinners to repentance. No
indeed! Some folk think that if sinners just knew about the goodness of God
they would repent. But Paul cautions against despising – looking down upon –
the goodness, patience and longsuffering of God. Do not think it
insignificant that God has not already cast you into the lake of fire. You
deserve it. But God tolerates your sins for a time, but you will never get
away with them. But the knowledge that God is good does not bring
repentance. No! It is not the knowledge of the goodness of God that leads to
repentance! It is “the goodness of God that leadeth thee to repentance.”
That is what the Bible says! Sinners are not led to repentance because they
are good. They are not led to repentance because they deserve it. They are
not led to repentance because they are basically good people. It is God in
His goodness that leads sinners to repentance! It is His goodness
in
action!
The fourth thing is this: God in His
goodness does not just attempt or try to lead sinners to repentance. The
Bible does not teach that God ever tried to do anything! He does as He
pleases! Having determined to lead some sinners to repentance, He does it!
God is seen to be “Declaring the end from
the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,
saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure,”
(Isaiah 46:10). Has God been pleased to lead you to repentance? |
