The American Spectator

The Nation's Pulse

(Page 2 of 2)

But hey, the idea of repentance is so first century anyway. Those Caligula-era rubes had some seriously sick behavior from which to turn away, in contrast to the more refined, modest conduct of the current day. It's not confined to the gays either; you need look no further than the non-condemnatory ministry of the popular Joel Osteen to find evidence of that.

It's all enough to make you feel sorry for former Rev. Ted Haggard, whose three-year relationship with a male prostitute was revealed last month. That ridiculous "homosexuality is sin" concept duped him into admitting that he was "guilty of sexual immorality" and that he had "repulsive and dark" impulses.

p>I guess the unrepentant can be forgiven for their confusion. After all, Paul also told the Romans (3:23), "the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Gifts are supposed to be free, right? Too bad the apostles, and Christ Himself, added this: br> /p>

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:10)

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (Christ in Luke 15:7)

br> All should come? Godly sorrow? Joy in heaven? You'd think Lord Jesus and His miracle-performing followers could have seen 2000 years in the future and adjusted accordingly. Silly them.

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