2 Timothy 2.19 records, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this
inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.
The word repent means to turn the other way, to turn around and go the other direction. It is the first word used in God’s opening message to humanity.
Reconciliation with God is not becoming a believer in God then asking Him to join our lives in order to make them better. The devil is a believer but is destined for hell.
The Bible begins with the description of God’s glorious creation but moves quickly to man’s rebellion against a good God Who did nothing but provide a perfect living environment for humanity. We are born rebels against God and each other, the infant proving this daily in their rebellion against their loving parents.
As we move toward God we must move away from that which God condemns. God is holy and has punished all that is unholy in man through Jesus. He will punish all that is unholy again in all men who are not pardoned by Jesus.
Those who are in the Lord, those who are His, those who are truly children of God, are those who practice what God commands and no longer practice what God condemns. These things, what God wills and what God despises, are recorded in the Scriptures so that we can know how to live lives pleasing to God.
The true Christian no longer does that which God judges evil but engages fully in the work of God for the glory of God in order to live forever with God in His eternal kingdom.
