Repentance

The word “repent” is found 111 times in the Bible in some form (repent, repented, repentance, etc.). Repentance basically means: “A change of mind followed by a change of action.” One who truly repents is one who has learned to abhor his errors and misdeeds, and has determined to enter upon a better course of life.

While preaching in the wilderness, John the Baptist told his hearers to repent (Matt. 3:2). The Lord’s message was also that of repentance (Matt. 4:17). Peter, on Pentecost, told those guilty of crucifying Jesus to repent (Acts 2:38). The apostle Paul often taught those to whom he wrote of the need for repentance (2 Cor. 12:21; 2 Tim. 2:25, etc.).

Why was this sermon topic such a prominent part of the preaching and teaching of those servants of God? Because of sin! When one is not faithfully walking in the light (1 Jn 1:5-7) he is walking in darkness and needs to repent. All have sinned and need forgiveness, which comes through the sacrificial gift of God's Son on the cross, as one turns from his evil ways and meets God’s conditions for adoption into His family.

John the Baptist told his audience, "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Matt. 3:8). God’s word tells us, for example, that sexual activity is to be confined to the marriage relationship, and obviously same sex dating and marriage is not God’s ideal (Heb. 13:4; Rom. 1:24-32). If one wishes to bear the fruit of repentance he must turn from sinful activities that are condemned through apostolic authority. Repentance is not just a matter of confessing a wrong, but of turning from such a course of conduct and living to please God.

Peter said, "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 Pet. 3:9). Our Heavenly Father is willing to save all those who will repent and obey (Acts 2:37-38).

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