More About Repentance
Repentance is a crucial part of Christian faith, marking both the start of a believer’s relationship with God and ongoing spiritual growth. The Bible emphasizes repentance as vital for salvation and a transformed life in Christ. To repent begins with recognizing sin. Scripture teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), reminding us to take personal responsibility for our actions and acknowledge how sin affects God and others.
How We Repent
True repentance involves godly sorrow, a deep regret for offending God, rather than worldly sorrow, which focuses only on consequences (2 Corinthians 7:10). This godly sorrow leads to genuine change, starting with a change of mind. Repentance reorients how we see sin, God, and our actions. It also leads to changed behavior. Just as “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17), repentance without transforming actions isn’t complete. True repentance results in stopping sinful practices, adopting godly habits, and righting wrongs.
Example
The Bible provides clear examples of repentance. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) recognized his sin, changed his behavior, and sought forgiveness. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) repaid those he cheated and gave generously to the poor. At Pentecost, many repented, were baptized, and turned to Christ (Acts 2).
We Must Continue to Repent
Repentance isn’t a one-time act; it’s an ongoing process for believers. As Christians grow, they must recognize their sins, confess them, and make necessary changes to align with God’s will (1 John 1:9). True repentance, marked by humility, action, and gratitude, is essential for a thriving relationship with God.
Want to Know More?
Looking to dive deeper into the topic of repentance? Explore additional resources on our website to uncover more about its meaning, significance, and how it impacts your walk with God. If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about the Christian faith, please email the website editor.
Calling on the Name of the Lord
49 days after Jesus's resurrection, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples as they assembled together on the Lord's day. (Acts 2) The tremendous sound of a great, rushing wind sparked public curiosity: as they gathered to investigate, they heard the disciples speaking in 15 or more languages. Accused of drunkenness, Peter declares this display a fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32. Included in this prophecy was a promise God extended to Israel first and the Gentiles second: "'AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.'" (Act 2:21)
What Must I Do to be Saved?
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Sin Part 3
In the previous two posts we established that everyone has sinned. We also determined that our sin has significant consequences. It leads to spiritual death, and it causes us to be separated from God. The key is that by sinning we have entered into an inescapable situation. We cannot save ourselves! Some claim that a righteous deed will erase a bad deed. But that simply is not true. Isaiah 64:6-7 reads; "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
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Did You Receive the Holy Spirit?
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (Acts 19:2).
Paul encountered in Ephesus a group of disciples who believed in Jesus, but they had not received the Holy Spirit. Today’s conventional teaching on the reception of the Holy Spirit and salvation in Jesus’s name rests on the assumption that both are bestowed when one believes in Jesus.
Five Forgotten Facts About Christianity
You’ve heard the gospel, but have you heard all of it? Maybe not. In fact, many people have never heard the whole truth about Jesus. Time has certainly taken its toll on the truth. Not that the truth can be changed, but it can be forgotten. This article explores some of the most important facts about the Christian faith that are often overlooked or ignored.