What does "we have sinned and rebelled" reveal about human nature and repentance? The Phrase in Context “We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.” — Lamentations 3:42 Human Nature Exposed • Universal guilt: “We” includes prophet and people alike (Romans 3:23). • Active defiance: “rebelled” shows sin is not merely stumbling but choosing another path (Isaiah 53:6). • Broken fellowship: sin severs communion with the holy God (Isaiah 59:2). Layers of Rebellion 1. Mind — rejecting God’s truth (Jeremiah 17:9). 2. Heart — loving darkness over light (John 3:19). 3. Will — acting against His commands (James 4:17). What Genuine Repentance Looks Like • Recognition: calling sin what God calls it (1 John 1:9). • Responsibility: “We have” removes excuses (Psalm 51:3–4). • Remorse: sorrow that sin offends God, not just hurts us (2 Corinthians 7:10). • Return: turning back to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7). • Resolve: pursuing obedience by grace (John 14:15). Scripture Echoes • Daniel 9:5 — “We have sinned and done wrong; we have been wicked and rebelled.” • Nehemiah 1:6 — “Both I and my father’s house have sinned.” • Psalm 106:6 — “We have sinned like our fathers; we have committed iniquity.” Corporate confession is a consistent biblical pattern, stressing shared responsibility and unity in repentance. Grace Shines Through the Darkness • Lamentations 3:22-23 — “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed… His mercies never fail. They are new every morning.” • 1 John 2:1-2 — “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” Even while acknowledging unforgiven sin (3:42), Jeremiah anchors hope in God’s covenant mercy revealed just verses earlier. Repentance opens the door for that mercy to flow. Takeaway The admission “we have sinned and rebelled” exposes the depth of human waywardness yet marks the essential first step toward restoration. Honest confession, coupled with faith in God’s steadfast love, moves us from rebellion to reconciliation. |
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