As the new year begins, many of us are thinking about making resolutions and setting goals for the coming year. For Christians, the new year can also be a time to reflect on the past and look to the future with hope and anticipation. The theme of new beginnings is one that is deeply rooted in our faith, and it is a reminder that, no matter what we have done or where we have been, God’s grace and mercy are always available to us.
One way that we can approach the new year with a sense of fresh start is by focusing on the biblical concept of repentance. Repentance, as it is understood in a reformed perspective, involves acknowledging our sin and turning away from it, with the help of God’s grace. It is an essential aspect of the Christian life, and it is a powerful way to experience new beginnings.
Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our mistakes or resolving to do better in the future. It is about fundamentally changing our hearts and our actions, and it requires us to turn to God for help and guidance. When we repent, we are acknowledging that we cannot fix our own brokenness and that we need God’s help to become the people he has called us to be.
One of the beautiful things about repentance is that it is not a one-time event. It is something that we can and should do throughout our lives as we seek to follow Christ more closely. Every time we turn away from our sin and towards God, we are experiencing a new beginning. And every time we do this, we are also given the opportunity to grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
As we enter the new year, then, let us not only make resolutions and set goals, but let us also remember the importance of repentance. Let us turn to God and ask for his help in turning away from our sin and embracing the new beginnings that he offers us. Let us pray for the strength and courage to follow him more closely, and let us trust that, no matter what the future holds, he is with us every step of the way.
Adam Sculnick
Sinner | Saint | Servant
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