Hey ya, welcome back to another week of “God, you have my attention; now what?” If you guys remember, last week we discussed the role of belief and faith, and why it is essential for a successful walk with Christ. This week we will be discussing repentance. Before we begin, what does repentance mean?
Repentance, by definition, means a sincere, voluntary change in one’s inner self. It involves recognition and acknowledgment of one’s sins and wrongdoings, leading to feelings of genuine sorrow (godly grief—2 Corinthians 7:10). Confession of said sins before the Lord, asking for forgiveness and actively committing oneself to the relinquishing of said actions, leads to a new life molded by God’s transformative power (2 Corinthians 5:17). Repentance is a personal experience with God that requires you to humble yourself before the Lord, sincerely taking accountability for your sins and asking Him not only to forgive you but to grant you the strength and direction to be able to walk the narrow path (Mathew 7:13-14).
Repentance is such an essential part of salvation because it represents a pivotal point in one’s walk. It marks the beginning of one’s rebirth in Christ and prepares the heart to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, therefore, receiving the gift of transformation into a new being (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“For [godly] sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death.” -2 Corinthians 7:10
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings new life].” -2 Corinthians 5:17
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.” -Mathew 7:13-14
“and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.” -2 Chronicles 7:14
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confessed and turns away from his sin will find compassion and mercy.” -Proverbs 28:13
“And saying, ‘The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation].” -Mark 1:15
“So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day].” -Acts 3:19
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. -1 John 1:9
Do not be disheartened by your past. God doesn’t choose the qualified, He qualifies the chosen. Friendly suggestion: In moments where you find yourself in need of encouragement, the book of Psalms brings me inexplicable peace (specifically Psalm 51). David, a man after God’s own heart, bares his soul to the Lord…the good, the bad and the ugly. Yet God in his unabounding mercy and grace, still forgave him and used him as a vessel to advance the kingdom.
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