Jesus began His ministry with these words: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Friend, you are either going to keep walking in the same old sinful path or you will turn into God’s path. Ezekiel tells us how to obey God.

First, “CAST AWAY from you all the transgressions that you have committed” (Eze.18:31a). Making a clean break always starts with repentance. Turn or burn because the only sin God cannot forgive is the one you don’t cast away.

Second, “and make yourselves a NEW HEART and a NEW SPIRIT” (Eze.18:31b)! It is God who creates in you a new heart (Ps.51:10-11). It begins when you die to self in baptism (Gal.2:20; Rom.6:3-5). Once you come up out of the watery grave God gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

And third, “Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so TURN, AND LIVE” (Eze.18:31c-32). For the rest of your life, you will need to make course corrections.

Friend, the time is at hand. Your clean break starts now!