Reading of the Law of God
But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens
and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you
are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish,
and at peace. 2 Peter 3.13-14
Confession of Sin
Our Father, we thank You for the great promise of the coming
new heavens and new earth where life will be so very different and so much
better. We hear Your command for us to prepare for its coming by diligently
pursuing purity and peace. We regret that our zeal for these things is not what
it should be. We confess that we are satisfied with a level of Godliness that
doesn’t satisfy You. Forgive us our sin. Grant grace so that this would be a
priority for us so that we, Your children, might please You, our Father. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over
transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger
forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion
on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into
the depths of the sea. Micah 7.18-19