Rejoicing over Repentance
Posted in Brian Keating's Articles, Impossible Verses?, Repentance on February 15th, 2015 No Comments »
Introduction
Luke chapter 15 contains the three famous parables about things that are “lost” – the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost (or “prodigal”) son. All three of those parables involve a precious item (or person) becoming “lost” in one way or another – but finally being “found”. When the item in question is found, there is naturally much cause for rejoicing.
The very end of the “lost sheep” parable contains a rather “intriguing” statement from Jesus, however. Here is the verse in question:
Luke 15:7 (ESV):
7Â Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.