“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45.22).

Conviction is a forensic term, but it also feeling-oriented. One is convicted of a crime. Another has a strong conviction that 15 minutes early is on time. The idea of being convinced is in the word conviction. I am convinced of my guilt and unworthiness. I am convinced that I do not deserve God’s grace or mercy. However, I am no longer convinced that I cannot turn to Christ and be saved. As hard as it is to comprehend, I am a believer. I have received this invitation from the Lord Jesus. I continue to marvel on a daily basis that He would offer it to me.

But some are so guilt-ridden and hopeless about their past that they cannot believe this invitation is for them. But the verse is clear: “all the ends of the earth”. God is not capricious. He invites all. If any come to Him, He will not reject them or cast them out. He knows where you’ve been, what you’ve done, and how unworthy you are. But you are never beyond the grip of His grace. Jesus beckons the guilt-ridden and hopeless: “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45.22).