Heaven is God’s abode. His love for humanity made him desire for mankind to join him there. However, there is a criterion for it to be so. Isaiah 57:15 makes a point: “I live in a high and holy place but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” Contrite means being brokenhearted, deeply sorry for sins, and humble before God. It is therefore not simply feeling regret, but includes a sincere desire to turn away from sin and toward God.
King David, the prodigal son, and the tax collector exemplify this attribute. He says in Psalm 51:17, “…my sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” When Prophet Nathan accosted him with the sin of adultery with Bathsheba.
Additionally, the prodigal son in Luke 15:18-21, after squandering his inheritance, which he had received in advance, and living in penury, came to realize his wrongdoing, repented, and returned to his father to seek forgiveness. Moreover, the tax collector in Luke 18:13 repented when he encountered Jesus Christ. He realized how he had cheated folks and repented, forever committed to making restitution.
Thank you for reading. The next blog will be published on November 24.
