Christ . . . loved the church and gave
Himself for her, that He might sanctify
and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.
Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. § Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. § Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. § Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. § Your word has given me life.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Eph. 5:25–26; 5:2; 1 Peter 1:23;
John 17:17; 3:5; Titus 3:5; Ps. 119:50; 19:7–8
Through Him we both have access
by one Spirit to the Father.
I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one. Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it … And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. § There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. § When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven.
Brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way …, let us draw near.
Eph. 2:18; John 17:23; 14:13–14, 16–17;
Eph. 4:4–6; Luke 11:2; Heb. 10:19–20, 22
Do you sometimes cry out, as I have, “God, don’t You see my tears? Don’t You see my broken heart? God, never mind me, but how can You bear to see the agony of my loved one? God, I know that You care. I just don’t understand why You don’t intervene in this situation right now. Why don’t You do something? And, God, why did you do that?!”
Then, to my heart, I seem to hear His still, small voice whispering, “Anne, trust Me. I know what’s best.” And I’m left to wonder why I think I know better than God what’s best for me or my loved one.
Godly sorrow produces repentance
leading to salvation, not to be regretted.
Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. § If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head; therefore my heart fails me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!
So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart— these, O God, You will not despise. § He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. § He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
2 Cor. 7:10; Matt. 26:75; 1 John 1:9, 1:7;
Ps. 40:12–13; Hos. 12:6; Ps. 51:17; 147:3; Mic. 6:8
“Is it well with you?” . . . And she answered, “It is well.”
We have the same spirit of faith.
As chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. § We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body … Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
2 Kings 4:26; 2 Cor. 4:13; 6:9–10; 4:8–10, 16–18; 3 John v. 2
I would imagine that up until this point, whenever God would come into the Garden Adam and Eve would run to meet Him like excited children. But when they harbored unconfessed sin in their hearts, His coming was a dreaded event. The thought of His presence was terrifying.
Adam and Eve were overlooking the single greatest truth in the universe! God loved them! He loved them in their sin so much that He sought them out! He did not leave them quivering in fear, devastated by guilt and saturated in sin. He came. “But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?'” (Gen. 3:9, NIV).
God knew exactly where Adam and Eve were. He was not calling them to get information but confession. He wanted them to confront what they had done so they could set it right and be restored in fellowship with Himself. And where are you? Instead of hiding from God, would you run to Him? Confess your sin and enjoy reconciliation with Him.
He led them on safely.
I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice. Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. § In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.
They did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them. § So You lead Your people, to make Yourself a glorious name. § Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face. § Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.
Ps. 78:53; Prov. 8:20; Ex. 23:20; Isa. 63:9;
Ps. 44:3; Isa. 63:14; Ps. 5:8; 43:3–4
You were washed . . . you were
sanctified . . . you were justified.
The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Christ … loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. § To her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. § Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. § Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
1 Cor. 6:11; 1 John 1:7; Isa. 53:5; Eph. 5:25–27;
Rev. 19:8; Heb. 10:22; Rom. 8:33; Ps. 32:1–2
