Sincere Remorse Read Hosea 8:1 through 14:9 “Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt” (Hosea 8:13). Hosea declared the futility of Israel offering insincere sacrifices. The Lord was not pleased with rituals performed without remorse for wrongdoing. Instead of receiving forgiveness from heartfelt confession, the nation suffered punishment for their accumulated sins. Hebrews 9:22 teaches that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The blood from animal sacrifice pointed to the time when Christ’s blood would secure forgiveness for all who receive Him. His death paid the penalty for sin once and for all. Israel had treated the Lord as one of many gods, sacrificing only to gain favor. Doing good things to gain God’s favor will not cover our sin. Nothing can substitute for the blood Christ shed. God sees each heart. He knows if there is true remorse that brings about change. Prayer Suggestion: Lord Jesus, my forgiveness is only possible through You. I owe You everything.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 02:11:29 +0000