(Continued part) ๐๐พ
Accordingly, a sinner must first stop sinning and move from loving sin to hating sin in order to repent and live a spiritually healthy life.
Not to worry, but to repent: A sinner who worries and a sinner who repents are completely different; Anxiety is a disorder of terror caused by the abundance and evil of our sinfulness, and this kind of temporary regret can occur even in a conscience that has not awakened from sin. However, spiritual repentance is the first stage of repentance and comes after realizing sinfulness, hating sin, and being ashamed of sin. Saint Paul said in his second letter, "Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing." (2 Cor 7:9) "Return to the Lord your God for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish" (Job 2:13, Ps 50:17, Job 2:1)
- To use our free will only for good things: Sin's greatest power and confidence against us is our love for it, not its power. The devil has no other reliance otherthan our consent. If we refuse our consent and win we will be rewarded. But if we give our consent to the work he offers us, we will be defeated and humiliated. If we remain losers, our defeat will not be inevitable for the time being. Because if Satan finds the small hole of the will, he will widen it like a snake licking it; And he will have a negative effect on our reltionship with God . When we give the evil our consent , the scourge of sin repeatedly whips us and drives us down to the valley of death, hell, and the world of damnation.
God predestined all human beings for life and salvation. But the decision is made when our free will is added to it. So whoever wants life can be saved. Salvation is in our hands. Our God always opens His hands and calls us to repentance so that we can use our consent and be back to having freedom. He who repents will be saved. He who refuses and ignores the call will perish.
2. Points to be aware and understand after repenting:
When the scholars teach, God doesn't like us to sit with our legs crossed, saying that it is from Him to always begin, do, and accomplish. He does not allow us to say that he gives value without work. However, we should say that we have done our part with our bodies, and he has done his part for us as God, and we should also fulfill his commandments. Therefore, our own decision to do and act good is important for salvation, which includes fasting, prayer, prostration, and almsgiving. The absence of righteousness is the source of sin that is trained against us when our inner relationship with God begins to break down. At this time, sin will easily train us. Therefore, if we already know the root causes of our temptations, we should avoid them and protect ourselves.
(To be continued) ๐๐พ