Welcome to Repentance Chapter
The author gives inspired insights what the believer should know and consider of this important step of coming to Christ.
Repentance is a theme the Bible teaches and enjoins the followers of God to have.
For example, the New Testament Book of Act reads:
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19.
Overview
- Genuine repentance include:
- Sorrow for sin.
- Turning away from it in heart.
- Can be obtain only from Christ.
- We must come to Christ just as we are and claim His blood to:
- Cleanse us from the defilement of sin.
- Renew our hearts in His own likeness.
The Spirit of God and His grace lead to genuine repentance.
God helps the believers to realize how bed sin is. Additionally, how offensive to Him sin is.
On the other hand, scriptures tell us about the love, mercy and goodness of God.
Despise thou the riches of His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering;
not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance? Romans 2:4.
In the valley of decision, choice of turning away from sin in heart needs to be made.
And only when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God:
- The conscience will be quickened and conviction takes place.
- Believer longs to be cleansed from sin and restored to communion with Heaven.
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A Bible example of sincere repentance
The prayer of David illustrates true sorrow for sin. There was no effort to:
- Excuse his guilt.
- Escape the judgment.
David saw the enormity of his transgression and the defilement of his soul. It was not for pardon only that he prayed. But for purity of heart.
The main point is that he longed:
- For the joy of holiness.
- To be restored to harmony and communion with God.
In The Old Book of Psalms we read:
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. Psalm 32:1, 2.
When and how to come to Jesus related to repentance?
The divine message to you is:
Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17.
Do not resist and you will be drawn to Jesus. A knowledge of the plan of salvation will lead you to the foot of the cross.
As you behold the Lamb of God on Calvary, the mystery of redemption begins to unfold in your mind.
The central truth is that, by beholding this amazing love of Christ to you, it:
- Softens your heart.
- Impresses your mind.
- Inspires contrition in your soul.
Thus the goodness of God leads you to repentance.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31.
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Do you long for something better than what this world can give?
If you do, recognize it as the voice of God to you. Ask Him to give you repentance.
Additionally, to reveal Christ to you in His infinite love and perfect purity.
In the Savior’s life the principles of God’s law – love to God and people, were perfectly exemplified. The life of Jesus was benevolence and unselfish love.
It is as we behold Him that we see the sinfulness of our own hearts.
Try to do as Paul did. He saw himself a sinner.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15.
So, bow in humiliation and confess your guilt as he did. The apostle Paul explain further his example.
It is found in The New Testament Book of 1 Timothy:
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering,
for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 1 Timothy 1:16.
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Deal truly with yourself
You can do nothing on your own. You must come to Christ just as you are.
For instance, Jesus said in the New Testament Book of John:
I am the vine, ye are the branches. For without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5.
Do you expect to become better through your own efforts?
Can ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23.
So, the bottom line is:
- If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better. Come to Jesus.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2.
Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart. Hebrews 3:7, 8.
Let this be your prayer:
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10.
Setting us free through love
Christ is ready to set us free from sin. But He does not force the will of anyone.
By choosing Him as our Savior and by the aid of His Spirit, He guide us into repentance.
In His life the principles of God’s law – love to God and people, were perfectly exemplified. The life of Jesus was benevolence and unselfish love.
By beholding Him we see the sinfulness of our own hearts. Additionally, we can destroy ourselves by rejection of His love.
Conclusion on repentance
Genuine repentance is a gift of God. It is a true sorrow for sin and turning away from it in heart.
According to the Bible, it is the goodness of God that leads us to repent.
It is the work of the Spirit of God on the heart that:
- Quickens one’s conscience and conviction takes place.
- Causes believer to long to be cleansed from sin and restored to communion with God.
References:
- SC, 1892 – The Ellen G. White Estate
- The Bible, King James Version (KJV)
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Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
- What resonated with you most in this article, and why?
- How do you understand the importance of repentance in your Christian walk? Share more about it.
- Is there anything that prevents you to answer the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
- Reach out if you need more information on this topic.
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