[…]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 our Lord Jesus Christ ~ Acts 20:20-21.
The word repentance is a commonly used word in Christianity, but it isn’t so common in today’s vernacular. What does it really mean? Better yet, when it comes to Scripture, what does it have to do with you?
What does repentance mean?
Noah Webster’s 1828 definition of repentance is: “Repentance
is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.” As a result of that renewed
mind, we are to “produce fruit consistent with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). It is
more than being sorry for our sins. Rather it is a godly sorrow that God works
within us. This godly sorrow; this recognition
of our fallen condition leads to belief that Jesus paid the price to cure that
condition. When we believe, not just intellectually but in faith, we are saved.
Works of repentance
We can do nothing to “get” or “earn” salvation. In Acts 26:20, Paul says that he “preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.” If it isn’t about works, and we can’t do enough good things to earn our salvation, then what are works of repentance? Thinking that good works make us "good" is backward thinking. It is carnal thinking. The works of repentance mentioned in Scripture work from the inside out. They come about as a result of turning to God and the renewing of the mind through the washing of the Word. What we do reflects our change in thinking and motives.
Repentance toward God and the indwelling Holy Spirit
When we turn away from our ways and turn toward God (repentance), it shows we agree with him about our spiritual condition. We believe He has made the sacrifice for our sin and accept His finished work on the cross. It is by His grace we receive that faith and are saved, though we are not forced to accept it. God leaves that choice for us.
For those of us who accept what He has done, we become “believers” and receive the indwelling of the
Holy Spirit. This seals us as children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. As such,
one of the works worthy of repentance that we have the privilege of taking part in
is to help others see God’s way so they too can turn from their way to His and receive eternal life.
Photo credits: Scripture
As Art, pixabay,
Patrick Slaven, pixabay
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About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad
Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.