Defeated enemies in battle have to confess the superiority of their captors, but this does not give them citizenship in that country. This is why as ambassadors for Christ we beseech people to be reconciled to God by faith in Christ now. If they confess Him as Lord with a heart of faith--now, while the doors of salvation are wide open, they will be saved (Rom. 109,10). Later they are forced to confess His Lordship to vindicate Christ's righteous judgment of them and the worthiness of their eternal doom. Confession does not bring the confessor salvation. It is too late, for the 'accepted time' for salvation has forever passed.
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In darkest night, blessed God, be near us and those in captivity for whom we pray. Quiet their hearts from fear and despair with the comfort of your presence. Keep them in hope and good courage. Turn the hearts and hands of their captors from violence and hate. Speedily bring those we love to liberation and homecoming. And do not forsake us in the time of waiting and great distress, we pray through Jesus your child, who also was led captive and in whom our souls find eternal freedom. Amen.
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