Rejoicing over the saved sinner

Rejoicing over the saved sinner

God does not joy over a sinner as a sinner but does over the sinner who repents and believes on Christ. The parable about the lost sheep, lost piece of silver and lost son, is one of rejoicing when they are found (Luke 15: v 5, 9, 10, 24, 32). True repentance involves a confession of sins, with sorrow that we are guilty of such terrible behaviour towards God. It also is a change in mind and heart leading to turning from sin to God in Christ for forgiveness. It is said and implied in this parable that:

  1. Angels rejoice over a sinner coming back to God in repentance and faith in Christ.
  2. Other believers rejoice over a sinner that repents and believes on Christ because it's glorifying to God and is such a blessing to the person concerned.
  3. The sinner who repents and believes on Christ rejoices because they have been forgiven all their sins and been accepted by God.
  4. God delights over the sinner that repents and believes on Christ because He delights in mercy and has been merciful to them in Christ. A loving and merciful God pardons and welcomes the sinner who truly repents and believes on Christ. God rejoices that the sinner who has wandered from God has now returned to Him.

Unbeliever you need to and must repent and believe on Christ. When you do you will rejoice, other believers will rejoice, angels in heaven will rejoice and most important of all, God will rejoice and accept you.