"REPENTANCE"

"Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). 

From these two verses we learn two things. These two verses speak to two different categories of people—those lost in sin (Acts 2:38) and those saved from sin (I John 1:9) and also these two verses speak to God’s two laws of forgiveness—which introduces one to the Biblical subject of repentance. Let us study three things concerning repentance that will help one have a better understanding of this important Biblical subject.

THE REASONS FOR THE NEED OF REPENTANCE.

Repentance is necessary because of sin, 

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4). 

All accountable human beings are guilty of sin (Romans 3:23) and thus mankind was in need of someone to secure forgiveness of sins for them (Acts 5:30,31; I Timothy 2:5,6).  Repentance is necessary because of the consequences of sin. The consequences of sin are tragic and twofold. Sin causes spiritual death (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23; Luke 13:3). Sin causes spiritual separation (Isa. 59:2; I Peter 3:12; Rev. 21:27).

Repentance is necessary because it is commanded by God. One of things that should motivate a person to comply to the commands of God is that person’s love for God, 

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (I John 5:3). 

God wants mankind to come to repentance (Acts 17:30,31; II Peter 3:9). God through the Gospel is telling all men of their need to repent, 

"Then He said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem"( Lk. 24:46,47). 

God through the Gospel is telling all men that repentance is necessary for their sins to be remitted (Acts 2:38, 3:19).

THE REQUIREMENTS OF REPENTANCE.

General requirements of repentance.

1. An acknowledgment of sin. Psalm 51:3

2. A penitent (feeling or expressing remorse for one’s misdeeds or sins) heart. Ps. 51:1,2

3. A turning from sin to God. II Thessalonians. 1:9

4. Restitution. Matthew. 3:8

Specific requirements of repentance.

To become a Christian, repentance is a necessary for one’s salvation and to have one’s sins remitted (Acts 2:38). For the Christian, repentance is necessary for continued fellowship with God (I John 1:5-9).

THE RESULT OF REPENTANCE.

There is remission of sins (Acts 2:38), salvation (Acts 2:40), fellowship with God, (I John 1:5-9), joy in heaven (Luke 15:7), no fear of the coming judgment (Acts 17:30,31) and one is able to abide in the love of God (I John 5:3).

Where do you stand in a relationship with God?

Repentance is necessary for one to enter into a relationship with God and repentance continues to be necessary so that one can remain in a relationship with God.

Mike Gurganus
PO Box 916
Henderson, NC 27536