The Power and Importance of Repentance in the Christian Life
Introduction
Years ago I often traveled along the New York State throughway. You nave had the same experience on a Toll Road in your area. More than once I have found myself lost in thought until I realized I missed my exit! It can be miles to the next exit. There I would get off, pay my fare and get back on to return to the correct exit.
This is a good metaphor for repentance,, on the highway of life repentance is a change of heart, a turning away from sin, and a turning toward God.
What is Repentance?
Greek word for repentance is metanoia. It is not exactly a change in direction. It means a change of mind or purpose. My Bishop, Charlse Jones, explains the word really means “think with.” In this case to think with Jesus. Repentance is more than just feeling sorry; it’s a complete transformation of heart and actions.
Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Why is Repentance Important?
Repentance is necessary for salvation and fellowship with God. Step 1 of the 12 Step recovery programs makes this clear. It says “We realized we were powerless over….” Instead of saying alcohol, we might as well say “powerless over sin!” Confession ought to be a daily discipline.
Acts 3:19* — “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
The Role of Repentance in the Old and New Testaments
Repentance is a theme throughout both Testaments, from the prophets calling Israel to return to God, to John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ ministries centered on repentance.
Ezekiel 18:30 “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.”
Matthew 4:17* — “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
Repentance Leads to Forgiveness and Restoration
True repentance brings forgiveness and renewal through God’s grace. King David is a good example. He committed serious sins. He coveted Uriah’s wife. He had Uriah killed. When confronted by the prophet he repented and was forgiven.
Psalm 51 is prayer of David after his sin with Bathsheba, expressing deep repentance.
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Practical Steps for Genuine Repentance
The first step is confession. We must break through denial and accept responsibility for our sins. Moreover, we must do more than this admission. We must renounce the behavior and all that leads to it. For example recovering alcoholic know that the next binge doesn’t begin with the next drink. It began when we got in the car and headed for the bar!
Next we need to have a change in behavior and activities that lead us to walk a different path.
Perhaps go to church or take up a different hobby.
Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Explain that repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process as we strive to live according to God’s will.
2 Corinthians 7:10* — “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Conclusion
Hopefully we will grow in grace and avoid serious sin. However, we need to become more and more self aware and daily consider how we have offended God and our neighbors by what we have “done and left undone in thought, word, and deed.” Even the Saints were aware how the insidious nature of sin that creeps into our lives in more and more insidious ways.
Acts 17:30 “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”
With daily prayer we can keep the sins small and the peace of God large in our lives.
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