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The Need To Repent Of Our Sins
John R. Gentry
Most religious people admit the importance of repentance in connection with our salvation. That repentance is necessary to our salvation cannot be denied when we consider all that the New Testament says about it.
Seeing that repentance is so important in the gospel plan of salvation, it becomes necessary that we understand the meaning of repentance (for if not, how shall we know if we have truly repented), the importance of repenting and how repentance is brought about.
What Is Repentance?
Is repentance godly sorrow? The apostle Paul discusses the connection between godly sorrow and repentance in 2 Corinthians 7.10. Paul says that repentance is a result of godly sorrow, but godly sorrow is not repentance itself. However, that there is no true repentance without godly sorrow is true.
Well, then, some may say that repentance, if not godly sorrow, is a reformation of life. John the baptizer discusses the connection between repentance and reformation of life in Luke 3.7-14. John says that reformation of life or a change in conduct is the fruit of repentance; it is the result or an effect of repentance, but not repentance itself.
Repentance, then, must fall somewhere between godly sorrow and one’s abandonment of sin. But what is it?
Repentance is a change of will. Being moved by the godly sorrow that is wrought within us upon the recognition of our sins, we determine that our will is not sufficient in being pleasing to God and, therefore, surrender the complete control of our will to the will of God. We turn from doing our will to doing God’s will. We submit our will to the will of God. "Not my will, but thine, be done!" A reformation of life, then, naturally follows.
One can sorrow and can even cease from sin, but unless his will is changed he has not truly repented. We must learn the difference between repentance that leads to salvation and repentance that does not lead to salvation.
Why Do We Need To Repent?
To help us appreciate the need to repent consider what the following passages say about the importance of repenting.
- Luke 13.3, 5 – to avoid perishing
- Luke 15.7 – joy in heaven
- Acts 2.38 – remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
- Acts 3.19 – sins will be blotted out
- Acts 11.18 – leads to life
- Acts 17.30-31 – God commands repentance because of Judgment
- 2 Corinthians 7.10 – leads to salvation
- 2 Peter 3.9 – God desires that all repent so as to avoid perishing
How Is Repentance Brought About?
Because repentance is vital to our salvation, we need to know how to bring about true repentance. How can a person’s stubborn will be broken? How can one be moved to abhor their rebellious sins and turn to cling to the Savior, longing for the Prince of Peace to control their will?
One way is to help people understand that there is a Judgment Day coming and that if we are still in our sins this will truly be a sad day. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 11.20-24; 12.41. In these passages he appealed to the terrors of the Judgment to induce these people to repent.
Paul mentions the Judgment Day in connection with repentance in Acts 17.30-31.
We, too, need to tell people of the fearful consequences of remaining in their sins and urge them to repent. As to whether or not this is effective, consider the fact that this was and is effective in our own lives.
In connection with teaching on the Judgment and consequences of sin, may we also clearly teach the goodness of God.
- Romans 2.4 – the kindness of God is meant to lead people to repentance
- James 1.17; Ephesians 1.3; Matthew 6.33 – All physical and spiritual blessings come from God, especially to the righteous
- 2 Peter 3.9; Revelation 22.17 – The Lord daily desires for all to come to him
Conclusion
For those who have not repented, consider now the Judgment and the consequences of remaining in your sins! Consider the terror of the Judgment and eternal hell fire! If you have thought about this before, but shook it off and never repented, face it now, do not shake it off!
For those who have not repented, consider now the goodness of God and the blessings, esp. spiritual blessings, he desires to give you. The Lord is willing to forgive you of your sins, adopt you as his child, give you peace that cannot be explained and bless you with a home in Heaven! If you have thought about this before, but shook it off as well and never repented, face it now and repent!
The Lord is waiting to bless you, if you will simply surrender your will to his. "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6.2). If you are not yet a child of God, come to Jesus repenting of your sins, confessing your faith in the Lord and being immersed with Christ in baptism for the remission of your sins (Romans 10.9-10; Colossians 2.11-13).
Galena Guardian
Vol. IX, No. 7, July 2007