How can we seek God's forgiveness for unfaithfulness as seen in Ezekiel 16:28? Context: Israel’s Unfaithfulness Exposed “ ‘You engaged in prostitution with the Assyrians because you were insatiable; even after that, you were still not satisfied.’ ” (Ezekiel 16:28) • God pictures Judah’s alliances with Assyria as spiritual adultery—running to human powers instead of trusting the LORD. • The charge is not ignorance but persistent restlessness: “still not satisfied.” Unfaithfulness keeps grasping for substitutes that never fulfill. What Unfaithfulness Looks Like Today • Compromising convictions to gain approval, security, or pleasure • Trusting wealth, relationships, or government more than God’s promises • Mixing biblical faith with cultural idols—self-promotion, sexual immorality, entertainment obsession • Habitual sins we excuse because “everyone does it” Steps to Seeking God’s Forgiveness 1. Admit the specific sin • “For my iniquities have flooded over my head” (Psalm 38:4). • Name the alliances of your heart—where you have run instead of to Him. 2. Grieve with godly sorrow • “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). • Genuine sorrow is not self-pity; it is agreeing with God that the sin dishonored His covenant love. 3. Confess openly to the Lord • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). • Use clear words—avoid vague generalities. 4. Turn (repent) decisively • “Seek the LORD while He may be found…let the wicked forsake his way” (Isaiah 55:6-7). • Replace the sinful alliance with active trust in God—prayer, Scripture, fellowship, obedience. 5. Trust the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ • “We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Forgiveness rests on His completed work, not on our remorse or efforts. 6. Receive cleansing and renewal • “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean… I will give you a new heart” (Ezekiel 36:25-26). • Expect both pardon and power to live differently. Promises of Restoration • Hosea 14:4 — “I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them.” • Micah 7:18-19 — He “hurls all our sins into the depths of the sea.” • Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions.” Living in Renewed Faithfulness • Cultivate daily dependence: Scripture intake, prayer, worship with God’s people. • Guard against new alliances: quickly identify and reject substitutes for God’s sufficiency. • Serve out of gratitude, not guilt: obedience becomes a response to mercy, not a means to earn it. • Remember the gospel often: the same grace that forgives also sustains. When we face our own Ezekiel 16:28 moments, the path back is clear: honest confession, wholehearted repentance, and confident trust in God’s unfailing covenant love displayed in Jesus Christ. |
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