TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Repentance is a vital aspect of the Christian life, a continuous grace that shapes our walk with God. It’s more than just saying sorry; it’s a deep and transformative process rooted in God’s love and our response to it. Let’s explore some key facets of this essential Christian grace.

True Repentance is Supernatural. It’s not something we can conjure up on our own but is a gift from God, much like faith. Acts 11:18 tells us that upon hearing Peter’s explanation of preaching to the Gentiles, the believers in Jerusalem “glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.'” This demonstrates that repentance is a gift of God’s grace.

Furthermore, repentance is a necessary part of the gospel. Paul, in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, testified that he taught both Jews and Greeks about “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). He considered this a crucial part of declaring “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Repentance is not within our own power but is granted by God. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 tells us we should correct opponents “if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.”

True Repentance Separates Us From Sin. It involves seeing sin from God’s perspective and consequently hating it, even when we stumble. Biblical repentance isn’t just about ceasing sinful behavior; it’s about replacing it with proper, godly behavior. Ephesians 4:23-24 encourages us to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.” This principle is illustrated further in the passage. Instead of lying, we should “speak the truth” (Ephesians 4:25). Similarly, someone who has stolen should “steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). Instead of corrupt talk, we should use words that build others up (Ephesians 4:29). Negative emotions like bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice should be “put away,” and in their place, we should be “kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

True Repentance is Deep and Serious. It’s not a superficial display but a genuine sorrow, often a private matter between an individual and God. While there may be times for restitution or public acknowledgment, the core of true repentance lies in a sincere change of heart. Spirituality isn’t measured by outward sadness but by positive actions.

True Repentance Sees Sin as Sin. The Apostle Paul, looking back on his life before his conversion, recognized the gravity of his actions in persecuting Christians. He stated, “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison… And when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them” (Acts 26:9-10). Paul didn’t excuse or minimize his sin; he saw it for the terrible thing it was.

True Repentance is Universal. It doesn’t selectively address certain sins while ignoring others. True repentance hates all sin and seeks to be cleansed from every wrongdoing. We must not make peace with any sin but strive to see it as God does.

True Repentance is Lasting. While Christians will still sin, they will never stop repenting. Even though all our sins are forgiven in Christ, this shouldn’t lead to a careless attitude toward sin. A life of repentance fosters humility, reminding us of our dependence on God and the saving power of Jesus Christ’s blood. The Apostle Paul’s experience in Romans 7 reflects this ongoing struggle with imperfection and the constant need to look to Christ.

True Repentance is Attended With Godly Fruit. Repentance is not a solitary act but is evidenced by changes in our behavior. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance, urging people to “bear fruits in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8) A truly repentant person will be humble, holy, and will reject alliances with sin, looking to Jesus Christ for strength and forgiveness.

The Christian life is a journey marked by both faith and repentance. It’s a continuous turning away from sin and toward God, fueled by His grace and evidenced by a transformed life.