How can a person return to the Lord?

Returning to the Lord is beautifully illustrated in Hosea 6:1-2, which exhorts the sinful to come back to God for healing and restoration. This entails recognizing one's sin and helplessness, as shown in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The father's reception of his son exemplifies God's grace—He does not demand repayment or penance but welcomes the repentant heart. When one turns to the Lord and asks for mercy, believing in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, that person is assured of acceptance and abundant pardon.