Day 4: Personal Response

Now that we know that God is perfect, all-knowing, and all-powerful; that we are sinners and spiritually dead apart from Christ’s sacrifice in our place, what do we do with this information? We must respond to it in faith.

Faith is the one attitude of the heart that is the exact opposite of depending on ourselves, which is why Paul said, “…this is not your own doing; it is the gift from God” Ephesians 2:8b.

In this, we begin to realize that the gospel is not just information. It’s an invitation that demands a decision; a response. The gospel is not just a statement of details of what Christ has done. It’s a summons that describes what we must do. We must trust in Him.

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus said, “The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15) What does repent actually mean? The Greek word (metanoia) means that we change our minds about our own will and purpose to align ourselves with God’s will and purposes. We change our minds about who we are and how we will live the rest of our lives. Because of Jesus, who He is, and what He’s done for us, we are forever changed.

Pray:

God, I trust You with my whole life. I no longer depend on myself, but I put my whole dependence in You alone. Thank You for being good and for giving me new life. Father, would you help me live a life of faithfulness to You, in Jesus’ name, amen.