For the most part we are not worthy to "accept him", of which is not a biblical term. We repent. That's our part. God does the saving. That is his part. He hath chosen us in him. Eph.4a
Man is so helpless in his unsaved condition. When we come to know him in an intimate way, then we can have a daily walk with God. Knowing "about God" and knowing him in a very "personal way" is different. Most people that have grown up in a christian atmosphere know about God, but that does not make them a christian.
Having been brought to repentance, then we are brought into fellowship with God. We are now his children. "I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against me". Jer. 33:8 When God accepts us into his family, it is not a trial and error system. Neither is it if we can out run the devil either. We are accepted in the beloved. Eph. 1-6 If satan could get one of God's children, he could get two. If he could get two, then he could get four. Then all that would go to heaven would be on the mercies of satan. We must realize satan has no mercy. Jesus said "those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled". John. 17:12b, also see John. 10:29
What does Jesus do with our sins when we become saved? "I, even
I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and
I will not remember your sins". Isa. 43:25 "As
far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our
transgressions from us". "As a farther pities his children, so
the Lord pities those who fear him". Psm.
103:12-13 It is a grand feeling to have your
sins forgiven. You can share the same. Call on him today!
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INTRODUCTION: Here is a song soaked with tears. A backslidden people have lost their ability to sing the Lord's song. The harps that were dedicated to give praise to God are silent now by the River of Babylon (world). The harps of witnessing, prayer, fellow ship and praise in worship hang on the willows of the world.
- THE REASON FOR SILENT HARPS IN THE BACKSLIDER'S LIFE
1. They were out of place, v-1 (world) (Babylon) (I Cor. 6:17)
(a) They are out of place because of their sin.
(b) Their song is useless out of place.
2. They were out of position, v-1 (Sat down) (Psm. l:l)
(a) They sat down among their enemies.
(b) They settled down in their positions.
3. They were out of practice. (Had not played for some time)
(a) Many have forgotten how to praise God.
(b) Many have forgotten how to witness unto their Salvation.
4. They were out of plans. (Hung harps up out of reach)
(a) Their harps (talent) were placed out of their reach.
(b) They no longer planned to play them. - THE RESULT OF SILENT HARPS IN THE BACKSLIDER'S LIFE
1. Silent harps brought sorrow (remorse) to the backslider's life.
(a) The music of Babylon could give fun in life.
(b) Only the dedicated harps of God can give joy to a soul.
2. Silent harps can not meet the requirements of the lost.
(a) The lost require a testimony from the saved.
(b) They wait for the Lord's song to start in the saved.
3. Silent harps bring grief to the heart of God. (Eph. 4:30)
(a) It pleases God for His children to have joy.
(b) It grieves God for His children to be without joy. - THE REMEDY FOR SILENT HARPS IN THE BACKSLIDER'S LIFE. (How)
1. Remember your experience o/ salvation. ("When we remembered Zion")
(a) Remember how God found you (Israel in Egypt).
(b) Remember how God saved you. (By His grace) (CALVARY)
(c) Remember why God saved you. (To worship Him)
2. Remember your past fellowship with God.
3. Remember you have a way back to your harp.
- THE REASON FOR SILENT HARPS IN THE BACKSLIDER'S LIFE