FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
REPENTANCE Repentance unto salvation is an acknowledgement that you cannot save yourself. Jesus commands us to repent and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15). The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone (Eph. 2:8–9). When we turn from sin and self-righteousness, we repent and turn to Christ alone to rescue us. Hence, true repentance begins with knowledge of sin, produces sorrow for and confession of sin, produces a breaking off from sin, and produces a deep hatred of sin. When a person repents and trusts in Christ, they are no longer under the power of sin, but they will still commit sin. Therefore, repentance is neces- sary for your personal relationship with God. When we repent of our sin, we turn away from it and turn to Jesus in faith; we fully love, follow, and obey Him (Rom. 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10; and 2 Pet. 3:9). When we repent, we forsake sin and put on Christ (Col. 3:1–17; Rom. 13:14). Through the prophet Zechariah, God invited Israel to repent—to turn away from the evil ways of previous generations and to return to Him.
3. Zechariah warns the people not to follow the negative example of their forefathers, but to repent. In Zechariah 1:3, what assurance does God give when His people repent?
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
LORD OF HOSTS L ord of hosts is a name or title for God used frequently in the Old Testament. The first time L ord of hosts is used is in 1 Samuel 1:3. It is a militant description expressing Yahweh’s power as the commander and ruler of all (Isa. 31:4–5). He is the Lord of the armies. Furthermore, the title L ord of hosts draws at- tention to Yahweh’s sovereignty and control. He has all strength over every power; He is our fortress and protector (Ps. 46:7). The Lord of hosts is king over all and has ultimate authority (Isa. 14:27 and Zech. 14:9).
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