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
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.
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