How does God turn sinners into sons? How does He make rebellion into reconciliation? How does He repurpose condemnation into commendation? It is the regeneration brought about by the Spirit. This transformation by the Spirit begins with the great work of repentance. It is only the renewing of the Holy Spirit that can make us see our sin in a light that causes us to turn away from it. Our natural condition is to love our sin, to desire it above all else, to be unconcerned about the impact it has on our lives, anyone or anyone else for that matter. Our fallen nature wants what it wants, desires what it thinks will satisfy it, and cares nothing for the cost, so long as we get what we want. Our thoughts of God are low and self driven, and our only concern regarding our sin is that we might be caught and punished... this mind is NOT pleasing, this heart is NOT clean, this spirit is NOT living and renewed. God does not NEED our praise, He does not NEED our worship, He does not NEED our devotion, but He does require them. And having required them, He goes beyond that basic expectation and provides what He demands. He will go far and away beyond simply NOT casting us away, no, He will draw us close, hold us near and call us beloved. He creates a clean heart that loves Him, that loves what is right, that loves truth, beauty and holiness. It is His Sovereign work alone that does this, and it is beautiful in our sight. Cry out for the mercy of God, to make you new so that you might love Him, and if you already do, give praise with all you are!!!