Scripture to Meditate On

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55.6-7

Isaiah writes about the offer of God's compassion, a compassion that is ready to pardon the sins of wicked people, people like us. It's another bit of Scripture that highlights the grace of the Gospel.

But please notice a few things. First, did you see the phrase 'while He may be found'? What is this? It's a warning. This offer of pardon will come to an end. After that it will not be possible to find Yahweh in order for Him to be compassionate. God's offer of forgiveness will come to an end. This is a warning to those who foolishly think that they can delay their repentance. Isaiah is clear. Don't delay. Come right now.

The other thing to notice is the call for the person seeking forgiveness to 'forsake his way'. Repentance is not just turning toward God in Christ. It is also turning away from living in wicked ways. So, while forgiveness is free, it has conditions. The cost of forgiveness is the resolve to put death to sin. This is accomplished by grace, but it still takes effort.