Luke 15:20-24, "So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father told his slaves, 'Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let's celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate." (HCSB)
Jesus told this parable to explain God's heart toward the sinner who repents and turns to Him. Luke 15:7, "I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance."
God initiates.
Genesis 3:21, “The LORD God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.
God quickens.
Ephesians 2:5, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,” (KJV)
God reconciles.
Colossians 1:21, And you were once alienated and hostile in mind because of your evil actions. But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him —
Our response:
Repent. “I’ll get up, go to my father…”
Matthew 3:8, “Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.”
Confess. “Father I have sinned against Heaven…”
1 John 1:9, “Therefore if we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us…”
Rest. “Bring out the best robe and put it on him…”
Colossians 1:22b, “to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him.”
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