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The Christian Life of Repentance: A Lifelong Journey

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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.

Just Jesus: Why Faith Alone Still Matters

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Have you ever felt like being a good person just isn’t enough? Or maybe you thought that following Jesus meant adding a whole list of rules to your life? You’re not alone

The early church in Galatia faced a challenge. Some believers with Jewish backgrounds, known as Judaizers, were telling new Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians that believing in Jesus wasn’t enough. They insisted that these new believers also needed to follow Jewish customs like circumcision and dietary laws. It was like saying, “Yes, follow Jesus, but also…”.

This “Jesus plus something else” mentality still exists today. Maybe it’s the idea that you have to give a certain amount of money, dress a certain way, or follow specific rules to be truly accepted by God. But the Apostle Paul, who wrote the letter to the Galatians, strongly disagreed with this.

He starts his letter with a bit of a strong statement, calling the Galatians “Oh foolish Galatians!”. He reminds them that they initially received the Holy Spirit not by doing good works or following the law, but by “hearing with faith”. He asks, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”.

Paul uses the example of Abraham from the Old Testament to illustrate his point. In Genesis 12:1-4, God tells Abram (later Abraham) to leave his home and go to a land God would show him. Abram obeyed, not knowing exactly where he was going. And what was Abraham’s key to being right with God? “Abram believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”. Paul reiterates this in Galatians 3:6: “just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.'” Like Abraham, we who came after Jesus are also saved by faith in God. Faith is what God requires for salvation.

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our faith journey. As Paul writes in Ephesians 1:13: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel, and believed in him, were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”. The Spirit is promised to all who have faith. This same Spirit empowers believers today to serve and live for God.

The message in Galatians shows us a fundamental truth: the law cannot bring salvation; the law can only bring a curse. Paul quotes Deuteronomy when he says, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them”. James 2:10 further clarifies this: “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”. Since no one can perfectly follow all the laws, relying on them leads to a curse.

But there’s good news! Jesus broke the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Paul writes in Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'”. Jesus, who was without sin, took our punishment so that we could be made right with God.

We all need to live by faith in all aspects of life. Just as salvation comes through faith in Jesus, so does our growth and service to God. It’s not about earning God’s favor through our efforts, but about trusting in what Jesus has already done for us. Are you living a life according to faith? It’s a question worth asking yourself today.

Saved and Surrendered or Selfish?Acts 8:5-24

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JEFF TURNER

The story in Acts 8:5-24 presents a striking contrast between true salvation and selfish ambition. It begins with Philip bringing the gospel to Samaria following persecution in Jerusalem. As he preached Christ, many believed, and miracles confirmed the power of God. The people rejoiced, but as history shows, whenever God moves, Satan seeks to counterfeit His work. One such deception came through Simon, a sorcerer who had long held influence over the people. They believed he had divine power, yet his miracles were born of deception, not truth.

Simon appeared to believe in Jesus. He was baptized and followed Philip, captivated by the signs and wonders. However, belief alone is not enough—many profess faith, yet their hearts remain unchanged. Jesus Himself warned that not all who say, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

The arrival of Peter and John in Samaria marked a significant moment. As they laid hands on the believers, imparting the Holy Spirit, Simon’s true motives were exposed. He saw this power and desired it—not to glorify God, but for his own ambition. Offering money, he attempted to purchase what only God freely gives. Peter rebuked him sharply: “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20). Instead of genuine repentance, Simon sought only to avoid consequences, revealing his unchanged heart.

Consider these verses a warning: true salvation is not about power, experiences, or outward displays. It is about humble surrender to Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross. Many pursue religion for personal gain, but Jesus calls us to a relationship with Him. Satan may counterfeit miracles, but he cannot counterfeit a transformed heart. The challenge for every believer is to ask: Have we truly surrendered to Christ, or are we merely seeking blessings?

If you are unsure of your salvation, remember that Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Faith in Him brings true transformation, not just outward change but a renewal of the heart. In a world filled with spiritual deception, we must hold fast to our faith, love one another sincerely, and remain steadfast in Christ.

Understanding Jesus’ Words to Mary Magdalene

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JEFF TURNER

Mary Magdalene played a significant role among Jesus’ followers, and her sorrow at His crucifixion was deep. She had witnessed His unjust execution and mourned the loss of her beloved teacher. When she saw Him alive after the resurrection, her instinct was to reach out and hold on to Him. However, Jesus gently stopped her, saying, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17).

This instruction may seem unusual since other disciples, like Thomas, were invited to touch Jesus after His resurrection. However, the original language clarifies the meaning. Mary was not simply reaching out in recognition—she was trying to hold on to Jesus as if to keep Him from ever leaving again. The pain of His absence during His death had been overwhelming, and the thought of losing Him once more was unbearable.

Yet, Jesus was preparing her for a new reality. He would soon return to His Father, but He would not leave His followers alone. Instead, He would send the Holy Spirit, who would dwell permanently in the lives of all believers. Through the Holy Spirit, Mary Magdalene and every Christian after her would experience the continuous presence of Christ. As Romans 8:9 affirms, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” His physical departure did not mean separation; rather, it ensured a deeper, unbroken connection between Him and His followers.

True Worship: Freedom from Religious Rules

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JEFF TURNER

Have you ever felt pressured to follow certain religious practices, like fasting or observing special days, as if they were required to be truly faithful? The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Colossians. He warned believers not to let anyone control their worship by enforcing rules about festivals, specific diets, or Sabbath observance.

In the Old Testament, only one fast was commanded, and the New Testament does not require fasting for the church. Jewish traditions, such as dietary laws and the observance of Sabbaths, were part of the ceremonial system given to Israel. However, these rituals were set aside after Christ’s resurrection. From that point, believers began gathering on the first day of the week rather than observing the Jewish Sabbath. Additionally, dietary restrictions were lifted—God’s instruction to Peter in Acts was clear: “Rise, kill, and eat.”

Christian worship is not about following external rituals but about the condition of the heart. Jesus emphasized this in John 4:23-24, where He explained that true worshippers honour God in spirit and truth. What matters most is sincere devotion to God, not adherence to man-made religious expectations

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