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Bible Repentance: Path to Love - Robert J. Wieland

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merciful conviction of sin. An ability <strong>to</strong> feel pain in<br />

the body is a positive blessing, for it enables one <strong>to</strong><br />

seek healing. The leper, whose sense of pain is<br />

anesthetized by his disease, actually suffers the loss<br />

of fingers and limbs because he does not feel<br />

destructive dangers <strong>to</strong> them. It is foolish and fatal<br />

<strong>to</strong> fight the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin.<br />

<strong>Repentance</strong> is the proper response of the human<br />

heart <strong>to</strong> the Holy Spirit’s message of reproof or<br />

conviction of sin.<br />

This true response <strong>to</strong> the conviction of sin is<br />

like seeking medicine or surgery for the healing of<br />

the body. The grateful sinner prays, “Thank You,<br />

Lord, for loving me so much as <strong>to</strong> convict me of<br />

my sin. I confess the full truth of the conviction,<br />

and acknowledge that sin has sentenced me justly<br />

<strong>to</strong> death. But I thank You that You have provided a<br />

Substitute who bears my penalty in my stead, and I<br />

am motivated by His love <strong>to</strong> separate from me the<br />

sin that has crucified Him.” This was the miracle<br />

that occurred in David’s heart when he prayed, “I<br />

will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my<br />

sin” (Psalm 38:18).<br />

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