Bible Verse of The Day – 2-28-22

Jeremiah 36:3 (NKJV) 3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them, that everyone may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.”

As I recently read this verse, I saw something that stood out to me in a big way, so I wanted to share it with you.

But before we dig into it, let me say something that’s relevant and important for us to understand.

The concept of repentance is an integral part of God’s desire for our lives. It is also a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to our personal salvation.

Now, with that in mind, let’s get back to the verse at the top of the devotional.

If we look closely at the second half of the verse, we see that God tells Jeremiah that “everyone may turn from his evil way”.

What is He saying there? He’s talking about people turning away from their sins; repenting.

But then take note of what he says immediately afterward; “that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin”.

Keep in mind that everything that God has said in the last half of this verse is based on the very first part of the verse; It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them.

You see, God was using Jeremiah to warn His people that He was about to punish them for their sins by bringing “adversities” (difficulties, hardships, suffering) upon them.

It’s important for us to understand that repentance is taught throughout the entirety of God’s word, not just in the Old Testament. John the Baptist and Jesus both told the people to repent, as did the disciples.

On that note, look closely at what God said in the opening verse; that if the people would turn away from their sins (repent), He could forgive them.

The implication here is very, very clear; repentance is required for forgiveness.

So, we urge everyone to consider this very carefully. Never let anyone tell you that repentance is optional, and that God will forgive us for our sins simply because we ask Him to while still deliberately continuing in those same sins.

There are requirements on our part. And repentance is one of those requirements. It always has been, and it always will be.

Let’s be sure that we clearly understand God’s word, and that we live by it each and every day.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!