“For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them” (2 Peter 2:21).
More cursed is the one who knows that they are doing evil. A wicked man does not know how bad he is. He cannot repent because of that ignorance. A good man can repent because he knows he has some bad in him. The one who knows he is corrupted by sin is the most able to repent. The one who repents and then repents of repenting is closest to the devil himself.
Why do I do the things I do not want to do? The old Adam in me controls and drives me to despair. But You, Lord, have come to save me from myself. Let me not accept Your salvation and then abandon it. Let me never entertain the idea that I can do anything apart from You. Lead me with humility so that I may remain in Your holy presence and be guided in Your goodness and mercy.
Lord Jesus, it takes a perfect man to repent perfectly. You are the only perfect man who has lived throughout history and that is why You began Your ministry by repenting for us all (represented in Your baptism by John). Guide me, dear Lord, in the repentance You have represented for me in order that I would begin to understand the truth You have unleashed in my life. Lead me into faithfulness and take away the temptation to ever reject what You have given me. Amen.
