We are minded that there are many who can quote the Bible all the day long. In smaller number are those who are obedient to its precepts, all of them. Listen to the words of the Lord, through Samuel, his prophet: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15: 22)
Indeed, for obedience we strive, being mindful of the Lord’s tender mercies, described in part in the poignant beauty of Isaiah’s prophetic verses:
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 4,5)
We would take advantage of His great atoning sacrifice in our behalf, remembering that the miracle of forgiveness is available to all, on condition of repentance. With the utmost eloquence and love manifest, we are instructed:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
Only through sincere and complete repentance of our sins do we gain access to the fullness of the atoning grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. In time and in eternity, can there be anything more valuable?