"I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord God. "Therefore turn and live!" - Ezekiel 18:32
During the
past year, cars, trucks, tires, window blinds, and toy xylophones have been recalled by
their manufacturers. In every case, the message was similar: "This product is
defective or dangerous and could cause serious injury or even death. Return it to us and
we will correct the problem." But it's up to the consumer to heed the warning and
return the dangerous item.
Suppose God put this warning on the heart and soul of every person: "Because of a
fatal attraction to sin and willful misuse, this item is defective. Failure to correct
this problem will result in certain spiritual death."
Through the prophet Ezekiel, God said that the hearts of His people had become adulterous
(Ezekiel 6:9) and as hard as a rock (11:19). Yet the Lord longed for their hearts to be
softened, and for them to come back to Him. He made this impassioned plea: "Repent,
and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. . . . Get
yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I
have no pleasure in the death of one who dies . . . . Therefore turn and live!"
(18:30-32).
Today, by turning from sin to God through faith in Jesus Christ, anyone can have a new
heart.
-DCM
The power of God can turn a heart
From evil and the power of sin;
The love of God can change a life
And make it new and cleansed within.
-Fasick
Salvation is not turning over a new leaf, but receiving a new life.