CHRISTIAN GIVING

The New Testament teaches much about financial giving. It is a significant spiritual exercise, expected of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

I. Why is Christian Giving important?

It is termed a ‘WORK OF GRACE’: It is a right response to God’s grace received. It is also a manifestation of grace working in a believer’s life.  “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.” II Corinthians 8:7

It is an ACT OF WORSHIP: It is a God pleasing sacrifice. “And do not neglect in doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrew 13:16

It is OBEDIENCE to the Lord Jesus Christ: Paul quotes a beatitude taught by the Lord but not recorded in the gospels. “…..the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

It is exemplified in PAUL’S LIFE: He set an example by his willingness to work hard to meet his own needs and the needs of others. “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak….”  Acts 20:24

It is the spirit of INCARNATION: Christ came at a personal cost to enrich others. “For you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” II Corinthians 8:9

II. Is all giving to be done to or through the local church?

The Bible does not teach that. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to bring their tithes to the store house in order to support the tribe of Levites. The ‘church’ in the New Testament is people. There is no building or store house. When funds are given to the local church or to any group, the giver is responsible to make sure that the funds are administered faithfully as God’s Word directs. Wasteful or unnecessary spending on an individual, superfluous staff, buildings and programs are to be avoided. Also, care should be taken against any misappropriation.

III. What does the New Testament say about giving?

The New Testament gives direct teachings, principles and examples. The principle of tithing is not rejected or commanded. II Corinthians 8 & 9 has much to say on Christian giving. Here are some examples of commendable giving.  

1. Luke 21:1-4. The widow who gave all that she had was commended by Christ.            

2. II Corinthians 8:1-5. The Macedonian believers gave in spite of their great affliction and deep poverty. They also gave joyfully, liberally beyond their ability and on their own. This they did after they first gave themselves to the Lord and to others.

3. II Corinthians 8:9. The Lord Jesus Christ became poor in order to make others rich.

IV. Principles on giving from II Corinthians 8&9:

Give liberally. 8:7; 9:5, 6

Implement heart’s desire. 8:10, 11

Give according to one’s ability. 8:11, 12

Meeting mutual timely needs 8:13-14

Prove one’s love. 8:8, 24

Give joyfully. 9:7

Giving is grace enabled. 9:8

V. For what purposes are funds to be used?

Meet the needs of those who minister God’s Word faithfully in obedience to God’s call. Galatians 6:6; I Corinthians 9:11, 14

Support those who preach the gospel to unreached people. Philippians 4:18

Help believers with unbearable burdens. Galatians 6:2, 5, 10

Care for old, proven godly widows who have none to care for them. I Timothy 5:3-10

Help others where there is an opportunity. Galatians 6:10

VI. Gains of Christian giving: II Corinthians 9:10-14

God increases giver’s capacity to give more. V 8, 10, 11

God causes giver to grow in righteousness. V 10

God is thanked. V 11, 12

Giver’s obedience to the gospel proved. V 13

God is glorified. V 13; 8:19

Giver prayed for by the receiver.  V 14

God’s surpassing grace seen in the giver. V 14

VII. Conclusion and Application:

The needs of those who are set apart by God to minister His Word do matter to God. He wants all to diligently labor in their own calling. Paul says, “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat either.” (II Thessalonians 3:7-14). God does not condone such indiscipline or irresponsibility. Yet, He wants all to respond to justifiable needs.

We must view giving as a privilege and opportunity.

Need to be responsible stewards making sure our giving is rightly administered.

Remember faithful ministers of God’s Word, proven believers in need and then others.

DANIEL 1 - DIFFERENT AGENDAS

The book of Daniel is unique in the Bible. It shows how God’s purposes prevail in the affairs of individuals and nations. The Sovereign Lord exalts or brings down even Gentile kings and kingdoms. People have their agenda, but God’s always overrules. Godly Daniel had one agenda and that was to be pleasing to God at all cost.

AN UNGODLY KING’S AGENDA:

King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Judah during the rule of Jehoiakim and subjugated it. Three deportations of people from Judea to Babylon followed. First, Nebuchadnezzar took the best of the people. He chose youth from the royalty and nobility to be trained to serve in his court. The king’s agenda was all about his achievements and his fame. But all this happened as God had predetermined, as early as during the reign of Hezekiah in Judah. (Isaiah 39:6, 7) Shortly before Judah’s captivity was over, Babylonian kingdom was overpowered as ordained by God. (Daniel 5:24- 28)

A MAN OF GOD’S AGENDA:

Daniel and his three friends were among those chosen for training in Babylon. As they were captives in this foreign land, their meaningful Israeli names were changed to Babylonian names which incorporated the names of the local gods. These young men did not offer any resistance to that. They were willing to go through the required training and in order to serve the interests of the Babylonian kingdom. But, they were determined about one thing. So, Daniel as their spokesperson approached the authorities. “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” As the commander hesitated, Daniel was persistent and took the matter to the supervisor. Knowing his spiritual identity, Daniel would not eat or drink anything that was clearly prohibited in the Law of God. He would not consume food declared unclean by God or what was offered to idols. He was willing to risk his life in order to live as one set apart for God. That was Daniel’s uncompromising agenda.

THE KING OF KING’S AGENDA:

Daniel 1 has many details to show how God’s agenda was above all.   

1. God’s Will Was For Judah To Go Into Captivity:

“The Lord gave Jehoiakim the king of Judah into his (Nebuchadnezzar’s) hands…..” Judah was defeated and went into captivity only because God allowed it. No one could defeat Israel unless God withdrew His protection over them. Because they sinned and refused to repent in spite of God’s warnings through the prophets, God sent His people into captivity. Daniel was in exile in God’s will. 

2. God’s Will Was For His People To Be Holy:

That was the clearly revealed will of God, though many did not live by it. So, they paid the price for disobedience. But, Daniel had the God given desire and grace to live a life of separation. He was determined to take the necessary steps and God enabled him. 

3. God Favored Daniel:

When Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself with the Royal food and wine, he had to make a plea to the officials. “Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials...” God blessed Daniel in his effort to do the right thing.

4. God Nourished Daniel:

While the other youths were eating the best of what Babylon had to offer, Daniel and his three friends lived on vegetables and water. Even after ten days, they were fatter than the others. It is God who made the difference because of their commitment to please Him.

5. God Equipped Daniel:

“As far as these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.” God’s purpose was for Daniel to interpret the visions and dreams of the gentile kings under whom he lived and served. God had also chosen to reveal truths about the end times to Daniel through visions and dreams. So, God gave him the required abilities, which the best Babylonian training could not offer.  

6. God Exalted Daniel:

“The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, so they entered the king’s personal service. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm.” Thus, God Himself elevated Daniel to positions next to the kings.   

APPLICATION:

God’s purposes prevail always in all people.  

Our agenda should line up with God’s. 

Obedience to known God’s will is the key. 

PSALM 95 – A FEW THOUGHTS

This Psalm is a call to the people of God, to worship Jehovah as the Creator and King of the universe. The LORD deserves worship, He being the unique, supreme God, Creator and Shepherd. This Psalm has two sections, the Psalmist’s call to meaningful joyous worship and God’s call to heartfelt humble obedience.   

I.                 TWOFOLD CALL TO WORSHIP: Vs. 1-7b.

The call to worship is repeated in verses 1 and 6, both times followed by how and why God is to be worshipped.

1. The First Call: Vs. 1-5.

1. The call: “Oh come let us sing for joy to the LORD, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.” Jehovah is to be worshipped as the Most High God and the God of salvation.

2. How to worship: As seen in these verses, worship has to be characterized by joy. Joyful attitude should be the nature of worship, as demonstrated by God’s people in the Old Testament. Worship has to include thanksgiving and singing of Psalms. Praise is exalting God for who He is and thanksgiving is expression of gratitude for what He had done. Praise and thanksgiving are essential components of worship, which is a sacrifice that pleases God. (Hebrew 13:15, 16)    

3. The reason for worship: The third verse begins with the word ‘for’, indicating the reasons for worship and several are given.

a. The LORD is a great God. Unlike other gods, He is high and exalted. He is one of a kind and unique.

b. He is a great king above all gods. The LORD proved the reality in Egypt that He is true and supreme above all gods. “…..the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn whom the LORD had struck down among them. The LORD had also executed judgments on their gods.” (Numbers 33:4). He alone deserves worship.   

c. God owns and controls all things. The depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains, and the seas belong to Him. He is sovereign over all.

d. He is the Creator of all that has been created.  God made the earth and His hands formed the dry land. God is the creator of all things and deserves worship.

2. The Second Call:  Vs. 6,7b.

1. The call: ‘Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” The second call to worship highlights the importance of humility in worship. 
2. How to worship: The worshippers are called to bow down and kneel before the LORD, expressing humility. It is required along with the nature of joy emphasized earlier. Humility of heart is a God pleasing attitude. Psalm 66:3 talks about feigned obedience of some who worship God. This is heartless, pretentious worship.
3. The reason for worshipping:

a.      He is our God. True worship proceeds from a personal, experiential knowledge of God and relationship with Him.

b.     He is our Shepherd. God is spoken of as shepherd and His people as His sheep through the whole Bible. God does all that a shepherd does to his sheep as detailed in Psalm 23. A shepherd grazes, waters, protects, guides, anoints and meets every other need of the sheep. So does the LORD to His people and deserves to be worshipped.

II.               GOD’S WARNING - CALL TO OBEDIENCE: Vs. 7c-16.

The call to obedience comes as a warning to those who are called to worship. They are not to turn a deaf ear to God’s voice as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Unbelief and disobedience are to be avoided in the lives of God’s people.

I Samuel 15:22 says, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” God delights more in obedience.

In Hebrew 3, while quoting Psalm 95:9-11, the writer warns about the seriousness of an unbelieving heart. God was angry with the Israelites for forty years because of their unbelief and disobedience. True worshippers should be known for their obedience.

A. God’s warning not to harden hearts as it displeases Him:

1. When God spoke in the wilderness, Israel did not believe His Word.

    a. They had seen God at work

    b. But they had not known His ways

    c. So, they complained against God and tested Him

2. The root problem was their heart.

     They hardened their hearts.

     They erred in their hearts.              

3.  The result was that God hated such behavior and punished those people.                   

APPLICATION:

We must worship Jehovah the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We must worship Him as the only unique and supreme God.

We must worship the LORD with joy and humility.

Worship must be united with true obedience.

SUFFERINGS AND DEATH OF CHRIST WON THE VICTORY

The sufferings and death of Christ bring about various reactions among people. It may be one of horror, sadness, surprise or disappointment. But, the Bible is very clear that the passion of Christ was not a defeat or not even a set back to God’s plan. Actually, thereby, victory was won and God’s eternal purpose in sending His Son to the world was gloriously accomplished.  

JESUS SUFFERED AND DIED ACCORDING TO GOD’S PLAN:

-God was not a helpless witness but was fully in control.

Peter says, “This man (Jesus) delivered by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.” (Acts 2:23).

-Christ’s suffering was not an after thought but was God’s eternal plan.

Many Old Testament passages such as, Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 clearly prophesy about the sufferings of Christ. The first prophecy was in Genesis 3:16.  Revelation 13:8 says, “…..whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of the Lamb who has been slain”.

-Christ’s death was typified by the Old Testament sacrifices.

The offering of animals as sacrifices in the Old Testament for the sins of people was symbolic of the Lamb of God who was to come. And He came in history as the true sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. (John 1:29).

-Jesus predicted His own suffering and death.

Jesus was fully aware of the purpose of His coming to this earth. As He ministered to the people, Jesus spoke to the disciples about His own sufferings and death on many occasions. (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:1).

JESUS VOLUNTARILY EXPERIENCED SUFFERING AND DEATH:

Jesus was not made to suffer against His will but He did so voluntarily. In John 10:14-18, Jesus mentions several times that He as the Good Shepherd has the authority to lay down His life on His own and to take it up again.    

HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH WERE REQUIRED BY GOD:

-God takes note of man’s sinfulness, “There is none righteous no not one.”  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:10, 23).

-God pronounces death for sin. “The soul who sins will die.” (Ezekiel 18:4).

-God requires a blood sacrifice for sinners to be forgiven. “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrew 9:22).

-God gave the sacrificial system as a shadow of the good things to come and as a reminder of the need for a substitute. But, the blood of sacrificial animals could not make perfect those who offered them. (Hebrew 10:1).

-God provided His Son as the sinless substitute for sinners. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29).

-God’s provision is sufficient. “But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God……For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12, 14)

THE CROSS SHOWS THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD:

To the unbelieving world, the cross might seem like a sign of weakness and foolishness. “But to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (I Corinthians 1:24) God in His wisdom and power accomplished through the cross what man can never do. 

THE DEATH OF CHRIST DEFEATED THE DEVIL:

Through death Jesus had made the devil powerless and freed people from slavery to fear of death. Hebrews 2:14,15 “Therefore since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”  

JESUS DIED SO THAT SINNERS MIGHT LIVE:

“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again from the dead.” (II Corinthians 5:14, 15).  

APPLICATION:

The cross does not represent any loss or tragedy but victory.

Those who live because Jesus died for them should live for Him.

We could live as victors because Christ has destroyed the devil’s power. 

PRAYER BASICS

God has given prayer as a means of grace, to help believers cultivate their relationship with Him. If the Bible is essential as spiritual nourishment, prayer is indispensable as breath. God talks to man through the Bible and man in turn talks to God through prayer. As those created in the image of God, people have the capacity to interact with Him. But because of fall, only those recreated in Christ Jesus have access through prayer.

Prayer is a spiritual exercise which requires a lot of discipline. It is both communing and communicating with God. The Holy Spirit is the enabling agent. Proper understanding of the Word of God is essential to pray effectively. The Bible teaches a lot about prayer and has many model prayers.

HOW NOT TO PRAY:

It is important to note that in Matthew 6:5-8, Christ teaches, how not to pray.  Prayer is not to be offered in order to receive men’s approval. Thoughtless words and repetitions are to be avoided. In the prayer that Jesus taught, He addresses God as Father. There is no repetition of Father, Lord, God or Master. No one posture is advocated.    

WHEN PRAYER IS INEFFECTIVE:

Sin in life: Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”  King Saul was full of jealousy, hatred and malice toward David. Yet he prayed to God but was not heard. (I Samuel 28:6)

Disobedience to God’s Word: Jeremiah 37:2 says, Zedekiah, his servants and the people did not obey the words of the Lord spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. Yet, in the next verse, Zedekiah asks Jeremiah, “Please pray to the Lord our God on our behalf.” Such prayer was absolutely useless.

Wrong motives: James 4:3, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Absence of faith: Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”

WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is humble opening of one's whole being to God and communing with Him. Prayer is communicating in silence or through spoken words. Prayer is expression of love for God, praise for His glory/greatness, appreciation for His goodness/grace, thanksgiving for blessings received and presenting ones needs and the needs of others to God in faith.  

HOW SHOULD ONE PRAY?

Prayer should be offered in an attitude of humility, with God as the ultimate object of all focus and trust.

Prayer should be offered to God the Father, even as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a privilege for those enjoy this grace relationship.   

Prayer should be offered through Christ the mediator. I Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

Prayer should always include worship. “Through Him then, let us constantly offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.”  (Hebrews 13:15.) Praise and thanksgiving together form worship.

Prayer should include confession of known sins in life, as they hinder fellowship with God and effectiveness in praying. (Isaiah 59:2)

ANSWERS TO PRAYER:

God always answers prayers, in one of three ways. There are direct answers, denied answers and delayed answers. Prayer should be offered in full submission to God’s will. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed in the garden of Gethsemane in total submission. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup to pass from me, yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39) God, the all knowing Father, knows what is best for His children. In great wisdom, He withholds what is not according to His will and so is not good for His own. His will only is desirable and His timing always perfect.  

There are promises such as, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done to you.” They need to be balanced with verses like, “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” God delights in answering prayers which are offered in total submission to His will.   

GOAL OF PRAYER: 

The first three requests of the Lord’s Prayer should be the goal of every prayer. God’s name be hallowed. His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Any prayer should focus on God’s will, purpose and glory being accomplished.  

APPLICATION:

We need to be disciplined and grow in the spiritual exercise of prayer.

Humble trust and desire for God’s glory are most important.

Prayer should be offered in total submission to God will.

God’s Word should govern the content of prayer.

REJOICE OVER YOUR SALVATION

Joy is an essential virtue in believers’ life. God’s people in the Old Testament rejoiced, as they worshipped God. The Psalmist rejoiced greatly in God and His Word (Psalm 19:8; 36:4). Psalm 87:7b says, “All my springs of joy are in you.” In the New Testament, joy is a virtue, under the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22). Paul commands believers to rejoice always (Philippians 2:18; 3:1 4:4; I Thessalonians 5:16). Jesus points to the supreme cause for rejoicing.  

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ON JOY:

The Lord Jesus highlights the right reason for His disciples to rejoice. True joy is not to be based on health, wealth, achievements or ministry. Jesus says in Luke 10:20, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

The context is when the seventy men sent by the Lord Jesus to minister, returned and reported to Him. Luke 10:17 says, “The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” They were rejoicing because of their spectacular ministry.  Jesus told them, “….do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Jesus emphasized, their salvation should be the best reason for rejoicing.    

SALVATION IS SPECIAL BECAUSE:

1. Salvation is God initiated:

Luke 10:21 says, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed then to infants. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in your sight.” God chooses to hide the truth from the wise people, but reveals to the humble and grants them (as a gift), repentance that lead to life. (Acts 11:15)

     2.  Salvation is wholesome:

Bodily healing benefits people temporally. But, salvation is of the total person, spirit, soul and body. A spiritually saved person receives eternal life now and his body will be raised glorified at Christ’s return. This is complete redemption for which all wait. “And not only this, but also, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:23)

3. Salvation will be perfected by God:

Earlier we saw God initiates salvation. God will also perfect His grace work. Paul says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

4.  Salvation is purely by grace:

Salvation is unmerited and can be received only by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8, 9) Such saving faith is possible only for those appointed by God. (Acts 13:48)  Long before they are even born, names of those appointed are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Revelation 13:8)

5. Salvation is eternal and abundant:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) “I am come that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Those who receive the gift of salvation will live forever. They will enjoy a quality life right now. In Christ, they are new creatures. (I Corinthians 5:17) They part take of divine nature. (II Peter 1:4)

6. Salvation is freedom from the tyranny of sin:

Salvation frees sinners from the penalty of sin immediately (Romans 4:25), the power of sin progressively (Romans 6:14; I John 3:8) and the presence of sin instantaneously in the future. (I John 3:2)

                                                                                       

7. Salvation is secure:

Salvation can not be lost. This security depends entirely on God’s power, authority and faithfulness. Jesus says, “I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:28, 29) The indwelling Holy Spirit is the God given guarantee that believers are forever His inheritance. (Ephesians 1:13, 14)   

8. Salvation makes believers children of God:

“But to as many as received Him, to then He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” (I John 3:1) Knowing God as Father is the greatest grace privilege.

APPLICATION:

1. Repenting of your sins, believe in Christ the Savior and be sure of your salvation.
2. Rejoice over the gift of intimate grace relationship with God as Father.  
3. Repeat with the Psalmist, “All my springs of joy are in You.”

REPENTANCE IS INDISPENSABLE

Repentance is taught in the Bible and is an essential part of true saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “God has granted to the Gentiles also repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18) It is a gift from God and is indispensable for spiritual life and health. (Please read carefully all the given references)

REPENTANCE IS PROCLAIMED BY:

John the Baptist:

John was a man sent from God. (John 1:6) His coming was foretold. (Luke 1:17) He was filled by the Holy Spirit while in his mother’s womb. (Luke 1:15)  The Word of the Lord came through John. (Luke 3:2, 3) He preached calling for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matthew3:2)

The Lord Jesus Christ:

Jesus went preaching the gospel of God saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14, 15)

Jesus said, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3, 5) So, one has to repent to escape destruction.

The Twelve Disciples:

As the Lord Jesus Christ sent out the twelve, “They went out and preached that men should repent.” (Mark 6:12)  

Apostles Peter and Paul in the book of Acts:

Peter said, “Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

Paul said, “How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:20, 21)

John in the book of Revelation:

Christ speaking to the seven churches, in chapters 2 & 3, commands the believers to repent of their sins.

In 9:21 and 16:9, 11, the ungodly while experiencing the wrath of God and of the Lamb on the earth blaspheme God, not repenting of their evil deeds.

REPENTANCE IS NOT A GOOD WORK BUT A GIFT:

Some say that repentance is not required for salvation as it amounts to good work. But, the Bible says it is a gift from God as we see in Acts 11:15-18. The leaders of Jerusalem church heard of Peter’s experience in Cornelius’ house, quieted down and glorified, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”  Repentance is not a good work even as faith is not. Man being spiritually dead is incapable of repenting or believing. God’s gracious work of regeneration enables sinners to respond in repentance and faith. (Titus 3:5-7)

REPENTANCE IS NOT IGNORED:

Some say that repentance is not required for salvation because passages like, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) leave repentance out. But, there are passages like Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 11:18 and 17:30, where faith is not mentioned. These do not prove that faith is unnecessary for salvation. Such passages highlight the fact that saving faith and repentance always go together, like two sides of a coin. There can not be one without the other and be genuine.

REPENTANCE IS FOR ALL (JEWS AND GENTILES):

Some say that repentance is only for the Jewish people. But passages like Acts 20:20 and 26:20 show that repentance is for both the Jews and Gentiles. 

REPENTANCE IS FROM UNBELIEF AND SINS:

Repentance means to turn, to turn around or change ones mind. In Acts 3:19, 26, Peter says, to repent is to return to Christ turning from wicked ways. It is turning to Christ in faith from Satan’s dominion of darkness to one of light says Paul. (Acts 26:18, 20)

REPENTANCE IS EVIDENCED BY:

II Corinthians 7:10 “Godly sorrow leads to repentance.”

Proverbs 28:14 “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” (Renouncing sin)

Luke 3:8 “Therefore, bear fruits in keeping with repentance….” (Restitution wherever possible)

Acts 26:20 “…..that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” (Performing righteous deeds)

Luke 3:7, 8 John is harsh on those who just wanted to escape God’s wrath without desiring a changed life. He goes on to say, how each ones behavior ought to change.  

REPENTANCE IS FOR LIFE:

Repentance is required from the beginning to the end of one’s Christian life. In Revelation 2 & 3, the Lord Jesus Christ commands the Christians to repent of all sins.

APPLICATION:

Ongoing attitude of repentance is true of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Genuine repentance is manifested by appropriate deeds or fruit in life.