Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Jonah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:2-11; and Matthew 6:16-21.
As we begin the season of Lent, you have something better than the preaching of Jonah. You have God’s sure and certain promise forever etched in the Scriptures, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Unlike the king of Nineveh, you have no question whatsoever about how God will respond when you confess and cry out to Him for mercy. The answer is the cross and the empty grave. Because of what Christ has done, you, sinner, are forgiven (1 Jn. 2:2).