₦airaland Forum

[center]A GRACIOUS RETURN[/center]

Memory verse:“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

The home- coming of the prodigal son, as narrated in the parable by Jesus Christ, was indeed great. The boy had left the care and control of his father, and went away to live a reckless life elsewhere. There, he wasted his resources and subsequently had unpleasant experience. He, however, realised his messy situation, made a u-turn, and came back home where his father gave him a gracious welcome. He had a re-union with his father. What a glorious return! Like the prodigal son, any sinner or backslider who decides to return to the Lord in repentance will no doubt be accepted, pardoned and re-united into His fellowship.

Sin, the acronym of Satan’s Imparted Nature, is transgression (violation) of the law of God. With sin comes separation from God, loss of peace, un-fulfilment, lack of answer to prayer, condemnation to hell at last etc. These are grievous consequences. Unfortunately, some who are plagued with them do not understand why, while some who understand do not know what to do.

At the initial stage, the prodigal son was enjoying with his father, but he did not quite appreciate it. He then left him to live a riotous life thinking he would be enjoying. However, he became bankrupt though still tried to manage himself. When the difficulty was beyond what he could bear, he remembered home and decided resolutely to go back to his father with readiness to face the consequences. He, therefore, took a practical step and returned home, strongly believing that things would be better. The summary is that, he went down but came up again.

The downward journey of one who backslides is always terrible, but if he could realise his predicaments, make a decision to come back to the Lord and be restored, he would be pardoned and welcomed. The issue of sin started with our first parents – Adam and Eve. Created in the image of God, they enjoyed fellowship with Him –the Creator (Genesis1:26, 27; 3:8, 9). But in the course of time, they sinned against God and therefore, lost all the opportunities they had. By nature, man is then born in sin (Psalm51: 2-5). Also, by choice, man goes into sin (Romans 1:28-32). But coming to God in repentance paves the way to him for total pardon (I John 1:8, 9).

When one receives God’s pardon, he receives peace and joy, becomes hopeful of receiving the crown of life and spending eternity in heaven where God lives. This is the acceptable time – the time of grace to repent of your sin. When the period of grace is over, it will not be possible. Make use of this great opportunity NOW. Tomorrow may be too late.

Your Spiritual Welfare is my Concern:
Reach me Now on olfjames@yahoo.co.uk
You may also wish to join me on Facebook
Fb ID is: IJIWADE JAMES
God bless.