Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Psalms 103: 21
103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And again he says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12. {Pr 298.1}
God’s forgiveness truly makes us free. We are free as we become new creatures, born again with a brand new heart, as in the prayer of David. God’s redeeming love is able to transform the most wretched sinner into a being with a renewed spirit that reflects the character of Christ. But we have to continue to do our part by doing what is well pleasing in the sight of God. To do His will and His good pleasure. Once saved and always saved is not a Biblical teaching. Examples of this are the accounts of King Saul and Judas Iscariot, whom await their second deaths; whereas David repented, and we can all imagine that he will be in heaven one day. Prayerfully we will all get to meet him there.
Dear God,
We thank You for giving us this honor and privilege to be able to come the foot of Your throne just as we are. We are all sinners and are truly sorry and humbly repent of our sins. We pray that in Your goodness, compassion, and mercy that You forgive us of all our sins, the known and the unknown. Wash us clean in the blood of Christ. Take off our filthy rags and cover us in Your robe of righteousness. Help us to do what is right and well pleasing in Your sight. Help us both to do and to will of Your good pleasure. Save us, and as far is the east from the west, remove our transgressions from us. All these things we ask and pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
