Repentance

There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, God commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Jesus said, Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3).

What is repentance? Repentance means a change of mind. It is to hate the sins committed in the past and to determine to live a righteous life. Repentance involves sorrow over one's sins and making a change in one's sinful way of living. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry or trying to reform oneself. Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10). A reformed life is the result of repentance, but reformation itself is not repentance. When many Pharisees and Sadducees came to John for baptism, he warned them, Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:7-8).

In the Old Testament, we see that God repeatedly called His people to repentance. In Ezekiel 14:6, God says to Israel, Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations. In Ezekiel 18:30-32, He says, Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies. Therefore turn and live.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist came preaching, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Christ also preached repentance and taught many parables about it. His disciples and apostles likewise proclaimed repentance to the people. From this, we understand that those who desire forgiveness of sins must not only abandon sin but also determine to do the will of God.

As stated earlier, repentance means changing one's mind. The change that takes place in the mind must also be evident in one's life. Jesus gave a simple illustration. A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered, I will not, but afterward he changed his mind and went. Then he came to the second son and said likewise. He answered, I go, sir, but he did not go (Matthew 21:28-30).

There are two important aspects of repentance: first, surrendering our minds to God; second, turning away from sin. The first son initially refused to obey but later changed his mind and worked in the vineyard. John therefore warned people to bear fruit worthy of repentance. The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the clearest examples of repentance. The younger son took his inheritance, traveled to a distant country, and wasted everything through reckless living. After a severe famine arose, he found himself feeding pigs and longing to eat the food given to them. Then he came to his senses and said, I will arise and go to my father and say, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants (Luke 15:11-32). Because of sin, this son had become separated from his father. But when he realized the misery of his condition, he determined to leave that life behind. This is repentance. He not only made the decision but immediately acted upon it and returned to his father. Though he was in a pitiful condition, his father ran to him, embraced him, kissed him, and welcomed him home as a son. Jesus taught that just as there was great joy in that household when the lost son returned, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). He also said, The men of Nineveh will rise up in judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah (Matthew 12:41).

What happens if we do not repent? Jesus warned that unless we repent, we will perish (Luke 13:3). God is patient with us because His grace is still extended toward humanity. However, He will one day judge those who refuse to repent of their sins. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your hardness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. He will render to each one according to his deeds. Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but indignation and wrath to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness (Romans 2:4-8).

If you wish to escape the wrath of God and receive salvation, believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Having believed, turn away from your sins and determine to follow His will. Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). If you do not repent, you cannot enter into salvation. Repentance is essential for every person who desires eternal life with God.

Thank you for reading. If this message encouraged you, please follow and subscribe for more daily posts centered on God's Word, faith, and spiritual growth. My prayer is that these biblical reflections will strengthen your walk with Christ and draw you closer to Him each day. May the Lord bless you, guide you, and fill your heart with His peace as you continue to seek Him. Feel free to share these messages with others who may need encouragement from God's Word. God bless you abundantly.

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