Counsel #5 — Our Role

Picture: Counsel #5 — Our RoleCCW 66.1

Although God provides the grace that empowers us to follow Him, we also have a role to play. So, what does that look like? We repent and surrender. This is quite simple. It means turning from our sins and believing what God says. For example, when David repented of his sin with Bathsheba, he had a “broken and contrite spirit” while also believing in the “unfailing love” of God to forgive and transform him (Psalms 51). Thus, he did three things: he confessed his sin, turned away from his “old life,” and ran into the arms of his heavenly Father.^{[92]https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2009/06/surrender-the-neglected-imperative-in-salvation}CCW 66.2

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” Acts 3:19 NKJVCCW 66.3

“Christ actually bore the punishment of the sins of the world that his righteousness might be imputed to sinners, and that through repentance and faith they might become like him in holiness of character. He says of the repentant soul: ‘I bear the guilt of that man's sins. Let me take the punishment, and let the repentant sinner stand before Thee innocent.’ The moment the sinner believes in Christ, he stands in the sight of God uncondemned; for the righteousness of Christ is his; Christ's perfect obedience is imputed to him.” Ellen White in North Pacific Union Gleaner, February 17, 1909, par. 3CCW 66.4

Reflect: Can your effort to repent and surrender contribute any merit to your salvation when the very inclination and ability to do both come from God’s enabling grace?CCW 66.5