“But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the LORD.” (Jonah 2:9)
This is the final recorded sentence before Jonah was released from the belly of the fish, and it is a window into what repentance requires.
“the voice of thanksgiving” – repentance requires GRATITUDE. We cannot truly turn to the Lord without counting the blessings He has given us. Even the ability to have a second chance is a blessing worth being grateful for.
“I have vowed, I will pay” – repentance requires CONVICTION. Many people say they will change, but only the son that turns and changes his behavior can legitimately show himself to be repentant. Talk is cheap, actions reveal our heart.
“Salvation is from the LORD” – repentance requires SUBMISSION. Without God, we’re sunk. We need Him and we cannot afford to let our pride blind us to the fact that none of us would ever be saved if we had to rely on ourselves. Jesus pays the price we can’t – it is a humbling truth.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites