"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh." Genesis 41:14.
"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph": Just as Joseph was bound in the dungeon, unable to free himself, someone in bondage to sin, is likewise in a spiritual dungeon, unable to escape by their own means. But, just as Pharaoh called Joseph to come out, God the Father is calling you to believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose sinless blood paid the price for your sin!
"And they brought him hastily out of the dungeon": Once the Holy Spirit convicts you of your need of the Savior, and you hear God the Father gently, lovingly, calling you, do not hesitate, come to Him immediately, for tomorrow may be late. You don't know whether this may be your last opportunity, many have perished into an eternity in Hell because they have heard the gospel message, but did not act on it immediately.
"And he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh": Notice that Joseph cleaned himself up only after he was brought up out of the dungeon! This is very important to understand. We cannot clean ourselves up and make ourselves acceptable to God by ourselves. We are saved by grace, God wants us to come to Him just as we are. The definition of repentance takes in: Confession; acknowledging we have sinned and are in need of a Savior. Turn; being willing to make necessary changes in our lives and turn from the path we have been on, to following and obeying God.
"Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" Romans 2:4 (NLT). The goodness and kindness of God is what helps us and allows us to repent. So, after you have believed on Jesus and His shed blood to cleanse you and make you acceptable in God's sight, then be willing to submit to Him and His Word. This will be an on-going, life-long process, and God is very patient, so never give up or get discouraged, or think you will lose your salvation if you do not measure up. Since your salvation is based solely on the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and not anything of yourself, you cannot do anything to lose it. The only unpardonable sin is neglecting to believe on Jesus for your salvation.
I pray that this gospel message will be an encouragement for believers, and that any that read this that do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, will hear the sweet voice of God the Father calling them to believe and trust in His only begotten Son. This message goes out to all in genuine christian love. You are welcome to contact me with any thoughts or questions you might have, and, I would be happy to join you in prayer for any needs you might have.
