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🍒40 DAYS OF PRAYER: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

🪄MONDAY 19th OCTOBER 2026

✨DAY 14.

🙏🏾THE BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN'S LIFE ~PART 1

The born-again Christian's life will be a life that is daily progressing in obedience to Christ. This does not mean that they will never fall into sin. The born-again Christian with the new heart is always free to grieve or quench the Holy Spirit by refusing to yield to His leading. However, they will not be living a life of habitual, perpetual, known disobedience to God. They
still have a sinful nature and propensity to sin, which will try to control them. However, they will be daily learning how to let Christ live out His life of obedience to God's law in and through them.

John described in his first letter the issue of sin in the Christian's life. In today's devotional we will consider this letter by John. First, it is important to understand that in the Greek language there are various verb forms that are more specific in meaning than those found in the English language. A present-tense verb is a continuous-action verb; it refers to a lifestyle. An aorist-tense verb refers to a single-point-in-time action, not a lifestyle of behaviour.' With this in mind we will consider several verses in 1 John in reference to sin.

First John 1:8 reads, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Here the verb "have no sin" is continuous-action present tense and refers to the Christian's fallen sinful nature. Paul describes this condition in Romans: "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Romans 7:22, 23).

Ellen G. White referred to our fallen nature when she wrote, "The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God's right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God" (Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 344).
Everything we do is polluted with sin and must be covered with Christ's imputed righteousness.

The promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The sin referred to is a single-point-in-time sin. First John 1:10, "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us" has the same aorist-tense meaning, "if we say we have not committed a single-point-in-time sin" we are making God a liar for the Bible is clear that we have a sinful nature and will commit sin even unknowingly.

In 1 John 2:1, John wrote, "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," (NKJV). Using the correct verb form, this verse would be translated using the aorist-tense verb as: "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not commit a single point-in time sin. And if anyone commits a single-point in time sin." First John 3:4, also uses aorist-tense verb, "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness." Translating using the aorist tense, the verse would read, "Whoever commits a single-point-in-time sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

In the above verses we have considered texts in John's first letter which refer to the fact that the born-again Christian has a sinful nature and may at times commit a single-point-in-time sin, which can be forgiven if confessed. The verses we will consider next use present-tense verbs meaning "continuous action," and refer to the born-again Christian's lifestyle in relation to sin.

In 1 John 2:3 we read, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." Using the present-tense verb it would read, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we continue to keep His commandments." This states that the born-again Christian will live a lifestyle of obedience to God's commandments. The believer may on occasion commit a single-point-in-time sin, but their heartfelt desire is to live a life of continuous obedience to God.

Ellen G. White supported this when she wrote, "The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts" (Steps to Christ, p. 57). The born-again Christian will have a lifestyle of "habitual words and acts" in harmony with God's will and commandments.
This does not mean they will not have "occasional" misdeeds, for they will. Hence, the born-again Christian should never let an occasional fall into sin steal their assurance of salvation even if it is in the area of a besetting sin. Remember Christ's seventy-times-seven statement to Peter (Matthew 18:21-35).

In 1 John 2:6 we read, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." Present-tense translation would read, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to continue to walk just as He walked," which refers again to a lifestyle of obedience to Christ.

Referring to Christ, John wrote, "And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin" (1 John 3:5). Present-tense translation would read, And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no continuous sin." Christ lived a perfect, continuous sinless life of obedience to His Father. Tomorrow we will continue to consider the present tense verbs in John's first letter.

So, in today's study remember the born-again Christian may at times sin. However, that should not cause him/her to lose their assurance of salvation.

🧎🏿‍♀️Personal Reflection and Discussion🧎🏿‍♀️
What is the difference between a Greek arist-tense verb and a present-tense verb?
Does God's Word teach that a born-again Christian will never commit a single-point-in-time sin?
In relation to sin what kind of life does the born-again Christian desire to live?

🙏🏾Prayer Focus🙏🏾
Ask God to
fill you with the Holy Spirit,
bring revival in your life and church,
help you not to become discouraged when you commit a single-point-in-time sin, and
hear your prayer on behalf of those on your prayer list.
1. Justin Alfred, "Greek Verbs Part One," Blue Letter Bible, accessed May 9, 2023, https://

Good morning 👋

🙌 "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." — Psalm 34:1 (KJV)

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else." — Isaiah 45:18 (KJV)

📖 Genesis 44:30–34
King James Version
30 Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life;
31 It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.
32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever.
33 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.
34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.

🌿 Reflection
In these verses, Judah speaks from the depths of his heart to Joseph. He explains that returning to their father, Jacob, without Benjamin would bring unbearable sorrow to their elderly father, whose life is closely bound to his youngest son.

Judah remembers the pain his father would suffer if Benjamin failed to return. Rather than allowing Benjamin to bear the consequences alone, Judah offers himself as a substitute, asking to remain as a servant in Benjamin’s place.

This is a remarkable change in Judah’s character. Earlier in Genesis, Judah was involved in the decision to sell Joseph into slavery. Now, he is willing to sacrifice his own freedom to protect Benjamin and spare his father further grief.

Judah’s actions remind us that *genuine repentance is demonstrated through changed behaviour, love, and a willingness to make sacrifices for others.*

As Christians, we are called to show compassion, accept responsibility, and put the needs of others before our own selfish desires. Judah’s willingness to stand in Benjamin’s place also points us towards the greater love of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us so that we might receive eternal life.

Let us ask God to transform our hearts, helping us to become more loving, responsible, forgiving, and willing to make sacrifices for those we love.

💭 Thought for Today
*“True love is not measured by what we receive, but by what we are willing to sacrifice for others.”*

Judah was willing to bear the consequences himself rather than allow his father to suffer another heartbreak.

Are we willing to stand up for others, take responsibility for our actions, and demonstrate our love through our deeds?
Let us remember the words of Jesus:
📖 John 15:13 (KJV)
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

May our lives reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave everything for our salvation.

🙏 Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the lessons of love, responsibility, and self-sacrifice found in Genesis 44:30–34. Thank You for showing us how You can transform our hearts and teach us to care more deeply for one another.

Lord, please give us the heart of Judah, who was willing to sacrifice his own freedom to protect his younger brother and spare his father from further sorrow. Help us to become people who stand up for others, accept responsibility for our actions, and demonstrate genuine love through what we do.

Father, forgive us for the times we have been selfish, unkind, or unwilling to help those in need. Teach us to put the needs of others before our own desires and to extend compassion, patience, and forgiveness to our families, friends, church members, and communities.

Above all, thank You for Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life for our sins. May we never take His sacrifice for granted. Help us to walk in His footsteps and reflect His love in everything we do.

May our families be strengthened, our relationships restored, and our hearts filled with Your peace. Give us courage to make the right decisions, even when they require personal sacrifice.

We give You all the glory, honour, and praise.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we pray.
Amen. 🙏

📚 Adult Sabbath School
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
The Gift of Prophecy
(4th Quarter 2026)
Weekly Lesson
Lesson 4 - New Testament Prophets
The Gift of Prophecy
(4th Quarter 2026)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Apostles and Prophets​

*as we 'Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.' Psalm 100:4*

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

🙏🏾PRAY4ME PRAYER MINISTRY WELCOME ONE WELCOME
ALL TO 40-DAYS PRAYER, DEVOTION & FASTING

🪄 SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER 2026🍒

🙏🏾WE START DAILY @ 6.00 AM LONDON UK 🇬🇧 TIME EACH MORNING

WELCOME TO
THE HOUSE OF
🧎🏿‍♀️PRAYER, AND
DEVOTION

🍒We welcome all friends and family from around the world 🌍to Pray4Me Prayer Ministry.

BELOW 👇🏾 JOIN FOR THIS MORNING'S DEVOTION.

ZOOM MEETING ID:
89173931805
Passcode 125402

One love God's love
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🍒40 DAYS OF PRAYER: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

🪄SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER 2026

✨DAY 13.

🙏🏾GENUINE BORN-AGAIN REPENTANCE ~PART 2

In the previous devotional we considered the deep, heartfelt repentance that the born-again Christian feels when they realise they have sinned. Satan will try to use such heartfelt guilt to drive the individual away from God in shame and hopelessness. Sometimes the repentant sinner feels they have to do something to prove to God that they are sincere. They need to remember that they can add nothing to the forgiveness Christ has made available to them. There is no "penance" required for forgiveness.

Christ paid the price for your sin. Isaiah clearly described what Christ did on the cross: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:5, 6). If you have accepted Christ as your Saviour you are born again, and Christ received the death penalty you deserve for your sin and gives you His eternal life,
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Sin demands that God's wrath be poured out on the sinner. Jesus became your propitiation; He came between you and God's wrath. He received God's wrath for you, which is why He cried out on the cross, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" So, when the born-again Christian sins and turns to Christ for forgiveness they are freed from receiving God's wrath for that sin. John stated it this way, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins:
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of] the whole world" (1 John 2:1, 2).

This is why you can in faith ask for forgiveness with the assurance that you will be forgiven. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Once you ask for forgiveness, that sin is forever gone from your life record, for God says "their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17).

"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:10-14).

David is an amazing example of this truth of God not remembering your confessed sins. David committed the sin of adultery and murder. Nathan confronted David with his sin, which God used to bring deep conviction and sorrow to David for his sin (Psalm 51). In response God forgave and forgot David's sin. In fact, years later when King Jeroboam was being unfaithful to God a prophet was sent to him. God instructed the prophet to confront Jeroboam, "Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LorD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes" (1 Kings 14:7, 8).

Note God's amazing statement about David: "thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes." God forgot the terrible sins David had committed.

You see, no sin is too sinful to forgive, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LoRD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Also, a repeated sin does not separate the born-again Christian from God when that sin is confessed.

Remember Peter's question about forgiveness and Christ's answer: "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21, 22).

The only unpardonable sin is the unconfessed sin. In fact, God gets great pleasure in forgiving His children,
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18).

Therefore, do not let Satan steal your assurance of salvation because of your struggle with sin or your deep feelings of guilt when you sin. Every Christian has that struggle. The difference with the born-again Christian is that they ask for forgiveness with heartfelt sorrow for their sin, because of the "new heart" God gave them when they were born again.

Remember, becoming like Christ and overcoming sin in one's life is a process. In that process there will be times when the born-again Christian doesn't have a deep desire to repent of a sin. On such occasions Christ will give genuine repentance to the one who asks Him, "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31). This is why everything from beginning to end of the born-again Christian's life is Christ and Christ alone.

Everything the sinner needs in found in Christ. This is why John wrote, "He that hath the Son hath life" (1 John 5:12). You can praise God every day for the assurance of eternal life you have because you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

🧎🏿‍♀️Personal Reflection and Discussion🧎🏿‍♀️

How does Satan attack the sincere
Christian's deep remorse for his sin?
How does God's statement to King Jeroboam reveal God's complete forgiveness of David's sin of adultery and murder?
What should the born-again Christian do if he/she doesn't feel repentant?

🙏🏾Prayer Focus🙏🏾

Ask God to
fill you with the Holy Spirit,
bring revival in your life and church,
correctly value His gift of complete forgiveness for all your sins through Jesus, and
hear your prayer on behalf of those on your prayer list.

Good morning 👋

🙌 "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." — Psalm 34:1 (KJV)

"For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else." — Isaiah 45:18 (KJV)

📖 Genesis 44:18–29
King James Version
18 Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.
19 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?
20 And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.
21 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.
22 And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.
23 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
24 And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.
25 And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food.
26 And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us.
27 And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons:
28 And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since:
29 And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

🌿 Reflection
*A Heart of Love, Sacrifice, and Responsibility*

In Genesis 44:18–29, Judah approaches Joseph with humility and courage, pleading on behalf of his youngest brother, Benjamin. He recounts how their father, Jacob, deeply loves Benjamin because he is the son of his old age and the brother of Joseph, whom he believes has been lost.

Judah explains that their father’s heart is closely tied to Benjamin’s safety. If Benjamin does not return home, Jacob may be overwhelmed with sorrow. Judah is beginning to demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility for his family, recognising the pain that his father would experience if Benjamin were taken away.

This passage reminds us that love is more than words; it is demonstrated through compassion, responsibility, and a willingness to stand up for others.

Judah’s concern for his father and younger brother also shows us that God can work within our hearts to bring about change. The same Judah who once participated in the events surrounding Joseph’s disappearance is now pleading earnestly to protect Benjamin.

God can transform our attitudes, soften our hearts, and teach us to put the needs of others before our own.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Are we showing genuine love and concern for our families, our church members, and those who depend on us? Are we willing to stand in the gap for someone who needs our support?

May the Lord help us to develop hearts filled with love, humility, compassion, and a willingness to serve.

💭 Thought for Today
“True love accepts responsibility, speaks up for others, and is willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of those we love.”

We may not be able to remove every burden from the lives of others, but we can pray for them, encourage them, support them, and stand beside them during difficult times.

Let us allow God to change our hearts so that our actions reflect the love of Jesus. Remember, it is never too late for God to transform us into people who demonstrate genuine care and compassion.

📖 Bible Promise — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

🙏 Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word and for the lessons You teach us through the life of Judah. Thank You for reminding us of the importance of love, compassion, humility, and responsibility towards others.

Father, please create within us hearts that genuinely care for our families, our church family, our friends, and those who are experiencing difficult circumstances. Help us to recognise when someone needs encouragement, support, or a listening ear.

Lord, teach us to stand up for those who are vulnerable and to speak with wisdom, kindness, and courage. Where our hearts have become hardened through disappointment, selfishness, or past mistakes, please soften them and lead us towards genuine repentance and transformation.

Help us to learn from our mistakes and become better instruments in Your hands. May our words bring comfort, our actions demonstrate love, and our lives reflect the character of Jesus Christ.

Please strengthen families experiencing sorrow, restore broken relationships according to Your will, and give peace to those carrying heavy burdens. Help us never to forget that we can bring every concern to You in prayer.

Thank You, Father, because You are able to change hearts and make us a blessing to others.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we pray.
Amen. 🙏

📚 Adult Sabbath School
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
The Gift of Prophecy
(4th Quarter 2026)

Weekly Lesson
Lesson 4 - New Testament Prophets
The Gift of Prophecy
(4th Quarter 2026)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

Jesus as Prophet​

*as we 'Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.' Psalm 100:4*

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

🙏🏾PRAY4ME PRAYER MINISTRY WELCOME ONE WELCOME
ALL TO 40-DAYS PRAYER, DEVOTION & FASTING

🪄 SABBATH 17th OCTOBER 2026🍒

🙏🏾WE START DAILY @ 6.00 AM LONDON UK 🇬🇧 TIME EACH MORNING

WELCOME TO
THE HOUSE OF
🧎🏿‍♀️PRAYER, AND
DEVOTION

🍒We welcome all friends and family from around the world 🌍to Pray4Me Prayer Ministry.

BELOW 👇🏾 JOIN FOR THIS MORNING'S DEVOTION.

ZOOM MEETING ID:
89173931805
Passcode 125402

Zoom Meeting Link 👇🏾

One love God's love
🙏🏾🦋🌹

🍒40 DAYS OF PRAYER: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

🪄SABBATH 17th OCTOBER 2026

✨DAY 12.

🙏🏾GENUINE BORN-AGAIN REPENTANCE ~ PART 1

As we have seen both the born-again Christian with the new heart and the professed Christian without the "new heart" experience times of falling into sin. Both will repent of their sin when they realise their transgression. However, there is a significant difference between the repentance of these two classes of Christians.

The professed Christian's repentance will be primarily an intellectual acknowledgment: they will realise they have sinned and ask for forgiveness. It will not be heart-felt. Theirs will be like Judas when he betrayed Christ for money. When he realised the magnitude of what he had done, he was overwhelmed with guilt. In this hopelessly lost spiritual condition he went out and hanged himself.

Peter is the example of genuine repentance. After he realised that he had denied Christ three times as Christ had foretold, he was heartbroken, "And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the c**k crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:75).
We read of David's prayer of repentance after he was confronted with his sin of adultery and murder by the prophet Nathan in Psalm 51.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakers, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguilti-ness, O God, thou God of my salvation: [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Note that David acknowledged that he had sinned against God, and his great concern was with what his sin had done to his relationship with God. This will always be the concern of the born-again Christian. Their personal relationship with God is highly valued by them, and when convicted of their sin they ask for forgiveness so their relationship with God will continue and grow stronger.
Their heart will be broken because of how they have dishonored their loving heavenly Father.
Some years ago, I came across the following quote on repentance by Edward Payson, an early American Christian minister (July 25, 1783-October 22, 1827):

As our views of our own sinfulness, and of the abominable malignity of sin, are always in direct proportion to our views of the divine purity and glory, the Christian never appears to himself so unspeakably vile, so totally unworthy of his Saviour's love, or so unfit to enjoy his presence, as at the very time when he is favoured with these blessings, in the highest degree. The consequence is that he is astonished, con-founded, crushed and overwhelmed by a display of goodness so undeserved, so unexpected. When he has perhaps been ready to conclude that he was a vile hypocrite and to give up all for lost; or, if not, to fear that God would bring upon him some terrible judgment for his sins, and make him an example to others-then to see his much-insulted Saviour, his neglected Benefactor, his injured Friend, suddenly appear to deliver him from the consequences of his own folly and ingratitude; to see him come with smiles and blessing, when he expected nothing but upbraidings, threatenings, and scourges- it is too much; he knows not how to bear it; he scarcely dares take the consolation offered him, he sinks down ashamed and broken-hearted at his feet; feels unworthy and unable to look up; and the more condescendingly Christ stoops to embrace him, so much lower and lower does he sink in the dust. At length his emotions find utterance, and he cries, O Lord, treat me not thus kindly. Such favors belong to those, only, who do not requite thy love as I have done.

How can it be just, how can it be right to give them to one so undeserving? Thy kindness is lavished upon me in vain; thy mercies are thrown away upon one so incorrigibly vile. If thou pardon me now, I shall offend thee again; if thou heal my backslidings, I shall again wander from thee; if thou cleanse me, I shall again become polluted; thou must, O Lord, give me up thou must leave me to perish, and bestow thy favors on those who are less unworthy, less incurably prone to offend thee. Such are often the feelings of the broken-hearted penitent.'

Deep heartfelt remorse and sorrow for one's sins has a cleansing effect in the repentant soul. Experiencing God's loving forgiveness will reaffirm their assurance of salvation as they realise God really does love them and accepts them even after their sinful disobedience.

🧎🏿‍♀️Personal Reflection and Discussion
🧎🏿‍♀️
What is the difference between the born-again Christian's repentance and the nominal Christian's repentance?
List the requests that David made to God in his prayer of repentance.
Describe in your own words the repentance prayer of Edward Payson?

🙏🏾Prayer Focus🙏🏾
Ask God to
fill you with the Holy Spirit,
bring revival in your life and church,
give you genuine repentance when you sin, and
hear your prayer on behalf of those on your prayer list.
1. Asa Cummings, Memoir; Select Thoughts and Sermons of the Late Rev: Edward Payson (Philadelphia: J.
L. Gihon, 1858), 513, 514.