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Bible Reading: 2
Chronicles 33:1-20
We have seen Manasseh's wickedness; here we have his repentance,
and a memorable instance it is of the riches of God's pardoning
mercy, and the power of his renewing grace.
Deprived of his liberty, separated from his evil counselors and
companions, without any prospect but of ending his days in a
wretched prison, Manasseh thought upon what had passed; he began
to cry for mercy and deliverance. He confessed his sins, condemned
himself, was humbled before God, loathing himself as a monster of
impiety and wickedness. Yet he hoped to be pardoned through the
abundant mercy of the Lord. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh was
God, able to deliver. He knew him as a God of salvation; he
learned to fear, trust in, love, and obey him.
From this time he bore a new character, and walked in newness of
life.
Who can tell what tortures of conscience, what pangs of grief,
what fears of wrath, what agonizing remorse he endured, when he
looked back on his many years of apostasy and rebellion against
God; on his having led thousands into sin and perdition; and on
his blood-guiltiness in the persecution of a number of God's
children?
And who can complain that the way of heaven is blocked up, when he
sees such a sinner enter? Say the worst against thyself, here is
one as bad who finds the way to repentance.
Deny not to yourself that which God hath not denied you; it is not
your sin, but your impenitence, that bars heaven against you.
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