Hosea 14:1 says, O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Hosea here begins to call on the people of Israel to return to God. There was hope for them beyond the coming destruction if they simply returned to putting their faith in God. God has overcome the destructive power of sin, and all we have to do is put our faith in Him to claim that victory. Verse two adds, Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. God was not going to force the people of Israel to return to Him, but He still called to them and stood ready to forgive them. God calls us today, but He still does not force Himself on us. We must willingly respond to His call. Verse three continues, Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. Israel would come to understand that there was no hope of an everlasting relationship in the things of this world. Idols and riches would fail them, just as they will fail us today. They were to show the mercy of God to the world. Until Israel accepted their true relationship with God, they would be as Fatherless spiritually as the rest of the world. Idols made by hand can never be a real spiritual Father. Through God alone can we have everlasting security. Verse four concludes, I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. Even as God was allowing Israel to suffer for their sins, He was giving them hope. If we fall into sin as followers of Christ, that does not leave us with no hope. God awaits for our forgiveness and restoration, even if we suffer spiritually from not following His will completely. Once we are saved through faith in Christ, our salvation is not then dependent on our works, but is still ours forever through our acceptance of that salvation once and for all time.
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