Key Biblical Concepts: Eternal life

We get eternal life when we believe in Christ alone for it.

Repentance is never made a condition for obtaining eternal life.

Key Biblical Concepts: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not a judicial issue with God. It is a personal issue.

It is harmony with God.

God does not forgive the sins of the unsaved.

Key Biblical Concepts: Repentance

"Repentance is the decision to turn from sin to avoid, or bring an end to, God's temporal

judgment"

Hodges

Key Biblical Concepts: Repentance

A person can repent and not have eternal life.

A person can have eternal life and not have repented.

Key Biblical Concepts: Repentance

In order to have harmony with God, to experience forgiveness, a person must repent.

Key Biblical Concepts: Repentance

God demands repentance from believers and unbelievers.

Anyone who does not repent may face judgment.

Key Biblical Concepts: Repentance

Repentance moves unbelievers toward God.

There are many ways God may bring one to faith in Christ.

Repentance is one path that can prepare a person for faith in Christ.

The Lost Sheep

• One of the sheep• One lost, others are not• "need no repentance"... really!• Great joy!

The Lost Coin

• One of the coins• One lost, others are not• Christian church - world of darkness and filth• Party! Joy with people and angels• Eph. 3:10; 1 Cor. 11:10; Heb. 1:14; 12:22-23

The Prodigal Son

• "my father", "your son" = believer• As though he was "dead" and "lost"• Sense of unworthiness, but from us...• Also, reality = Lost opportunities• Time to party!

The Self Righteous Brother - 15:28

Does not share the joy

"Pleaded" with his older son

The Self Righteous Brother - 15:29

Overestimated his service

Criticized his father!

Would rather be with friends than share father's joy

The Self Righteous Brother

The self-righteous often prefer their own company

God's presence would spoil their fun!

The Self Righteous Brother - 15:30-31

We should listen to our Father's rebuke

We should appreciate all we have from staying faithful!

We should share our Father's joy!

The Self Righteous Brother - 15:30-31

Not simply "this son of yours" but "your brother"

"It was right" = "necessary"

The situation calls for it.