“Christ’s salvation work on the cross has raised us from the dead, but we’re still wrapped tight in behaviors that keep us from walking free. When we are bound tight, we still have one foot in the grave, experiencing more hell than heaven. With a call to repentance, the Lord invites us to ‘Come out’ of the grave, to be released from death’s grip.”- Summer Joy Gross
“God’s kindness leads us to repentance.”- Romans 2:4 (Berean Study Bible)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”- 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
In Chapter 13 (“Repentance: Turning toward the Father”) of The Emmanuel Promise, Summer Joy Gross stresses that our Abba Father never turns away from us. Rather, His kindness leads us to repentance. As a result, love does not leave us bound, wrapped tight.
Therefore, Summer sees repentance as God’s invitation to be unbound, to live in the light without hindrance. Hence, Summer also describes repentance as part of God’s great delight. His joy-filled rescue mission.
Certainly, Summer underscores, God never turns away, leaving us abandoned. Instead, the full power of the cross covers us. Above all, God always moves toward us. As a result, we need not fear His presence moving away from us in disgust.
In conclusion, Summer counsels, within the invitation to repent we find healing. The author writes:
“What if you knew God convicting you of a sin was based in His abundant love? His kindness to unbind you? Remember, God’s goodness and love pursuing us in Psalm 23? The Hebrew word radaph, translated in verse 6 as ‘follow,’ means to pursue or chase down and is used throughout the Old Testament to indicate military pursuit. . . . God’s love is never neglectful. He desires you to be free because He desires you to be fully His.”
God wants to free us from the prison of sin.
Today’s question: What behaviors make you feel wrapped tight, keeping you from walking free? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our original design – reclaim”
