Christ had no interest in gathering vast crowds of professed adherents who would melt away as soon as they found out what following Him actually demanded of them. In our own presentation of Christ’s gospel, therefore, we need to lay a similar stress on the cost of following Christ and make sinners face it soberly before we urge them to respond to the message of free forgiveness. In common honesty, we must not conceal the fact that free forgiveness in one sense will cost everything.
– J. I. Packer
Such a true statement!
Only sinners need a savior. So, to have someone “accept” Jesus without acknowledging their sin, only gives a good feeling and, otherwise, does not do them the service their need. If they see their sin, their “acceptance” will engender change. and gratitude. If no sin and only a cure or a good feeling is what they see in Jesus, next week a bottle of whiskey may meet the same need.
In today’s church, sin runs just as rampant as in the world, without regret! We all sin continuously, but a follower of Christ should regret, repent, and attempt to reform.