"True Repentance" – BASIC BUILDING BLOCK # 9
Date: Feb 03, 2009 Posted By: Rick Warzywakwww.muiczone.com
TRUE AND FALSE REPENTANCE
Observation: There is a lack of understanding regarding repentance in Christianity today. We must meditate and grasp its meaning, and make an application to our lives. We are dependent upon God's mercy and must be willing to renounce all wrongful activity in a true solemnity. He is not willing for any of us to perish, but man must abandon all rebellion and self-ownership and let God take His place in our heart.
Repentance: A revolutionary change of direction towards God, away from the ways of the world; a change of mind where the past is renounced and agreement is made to lay down all past sinful indulgences, offenses, actions, thoughts and activities; a change of motive and intent for living where we solely love God and our fellow man as a primary purpose of life; a grief, anguish, and sorrow.
Scripture Study Reference #1
"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 (Luke 24:46-47)."
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31)."
Key Appliccation Point: Repentance is not an option regarding forgiveness of sins!
When God gives a command, it is something to seriously consider. We are told to go preach repentance and forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is available to all, no matter what you have done. Reconciliation and salvation through the repentance process is a voluntary agreement on the part of both God and man to have a changed relationship. A command to repent is given and this should shake us out of our apathy and encourage us to make an appropriate response. Without true repentance there is no forgiveness. Man must be willing, because God has shown that He is ready to restore and reconcile. God's nature and character are comprised of many attributes, as He is merciful, kind, long-suffering, patient, and filled with love.
Point to Ponder: "The most important thought I'd ever had was that of my individual responsibility to God." - Daniel Webster
Scripture Study Reference #2
"Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord GOD. Therefore turn and live (Ezekiel 18:30-32)!"
"I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:5)."
Key Appliccation Point: Failure to repent separates us from God.
We must see that the concept of repentance is clearly conveyed and understood. There is too much at stake, as eternity hangs in the balance. We must not cheapen or regard lightly what God has so freely provided through His love and grace. The Gospel is a remedy designed to remove the consequences of sin in our lives by cleansing and purifying our entire inner being. Jesus said that the way is narrow and few will find it (Matthew 7:13-14) because man chooses to live selfishly, gratifying his appetites. We serve a God who is holy and just, and wants His will done here on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Failure to live with this heart motivation will bring forth a word many do not like to hear - judgment. In stating this, God is not waiting for you to make a mistake so He can impose his justice. On the contrary, God allows people to grow from the time one has faith and repents while embarking on life's journey. He will provide strength to overcome temptation and those destructive forces that are trying to impose spiritual death (Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 4:16).
A professor at Central Michigan University invited me to speak in a class that dealt with human sexuality. He was going to allow me to introduce myself and then open up the class session for questions and answers. As I walked into this small auditorium with over 100 students, I felt that this was not going to be easy. Many penetrating eyes were throwing daggers my way. The class was packed, and there was a rowdiness of spirit present. I later found out there were "plants" in the classroom from the homosexual community, who intended to disrupt and argue any opinion I brought forth.
Questions from all subject areas regarding sex began to fire at me. Premarital sex was the first issue raised and I scripturally covered how God felt on the matter by quoting 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10. I explained the importance of waiting for that right person because of soul ties, and the ghost partners (memories of past sexual encounters) that will haunt and play a part in the breakup of many marriages. The ridicule began. I saw the professor was losing control, as he could not calm down the uproar. This is the scripture I had quoted: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators (those engaged in premarital sex), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). It had incited the homosexual community.
Then the question came forth on what I thought of homosexuality. As I began to answer, screaming -- as if a lynch mob was about to form -- burst forth. Things were being thrown and the helpless professor could do nothing. Where was the respect for authority? A near riot broke out! The professor asked me to leave, and at that time I thought wisdom was speaking and I departed from the classroom. I waited outside the door, listening while the students were filing out of the class. Many gave me a condemning eye, as if I had penetrated some sacred zone.
But a young lady approached me and we sat down on the floor -- she wanted to talk. She began to tell me about her relationship with her boyfriend, and that what I had said bothered her. I explained the importance of putting God first in our lives and living for Him. She needed to repent or turn from the sexual sin she was engaged in. What if her boyfriend leaves her because of this, she asked? This young lady was undergoing a real internal struggle. I explained that if he really loved her this would not be a problem because her welfare, according to her conscience, was at stake. She had real difficulty and I could see her conviction. We spoke a bit more and she told me that she would seriously consider what I had said. I gave her a Bible tract and she walked away.
Point to Ponder: Repentance to God is the bitter medicine that cures the disease of death.
Scripture Study Reference #3
"For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10)."
Key Application Point: Humility, remorse, sorrow, and a realization of how we offended God will bring us to a place of repentance.
I have asked many individuals for a definition of repentance on numerous university campuses. It usually brings forth an answer relating to "saying your sorry." The fact of the matter is that remorse and sorrow are precursors to true repentance, where there is an agreement to stop and turn away from any activity that grieves the heart of God. This lack of understanding can make Jesus Christ, and what was accomplished on the cross, some lucky charm. People fail to see their responsibility in loving God and their fellow man, and a life of selfishness is still pursued. They think in their minds, all I have to do is say I am sorry. God is looking for faithful people who are dedicated to His kingdom purposes. God is looking for those who want to serve because of who He is. When we can grasp the goodness of God, along with an understanding of His loving nature and character, a revelation comes upon us on how have we drifted so far? Then remorse sets in.
Point to Ponder: "It is the duty of nations, as well as of man, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon." - Abraham Lincoln
Scripture Study Reference # 4
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)."
Key Application Point: God is not willing for any to perish.
Coming to a place of repentance is not meant to be elusive or difficult. God is always searching the earth for those who will serve Him with a willing heart (1 Chronicles 28:9). It begins with an understanding that we are sinners and have broken the laws of a Divine Authority who made all things. This results in a revelation of our fallen condition and remorse is felt, which is followed by repentance and saving faith. The creation around you, a measure of faith given, the conscience within you, God not showing any favoritism, and constantly searching for willing hearts of men across the earth are all working in your favor to bring you home to the Father.
Point to Ponder: Religion is a man trying to reach God by his own efforts, which he can never do. But in Christ, God reached down to man.
Scripture Study Reference # 5
"How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:20-21)."
Key Application Point: Repentance and faith work hand in hand.
Jesus Christ came, died, and rose again to take away the sins of the world (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4)." It is only faith in that name, because of what was accomplished on the cross, that enables you to be forgiven upon your repentant heart making a confession. Jesus declared to repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1: 14-15); you cannot have one without the other. This is exactly why repentance must be understood.
It was beautiful day on the campus, as Michigan weather can present many challenges. I was encircled by a small group of students that day, which grew as the afternoon wore on. The questions were the typical ones that came forth. I asked how many people there would consider themselves Christians. The majority of the hands went up. Then I asked if they could define repentance. They all agreed it was just to say "I'm sorry". I challenged them to look up the word in a dictionary, and began to explain that there must be a transformation of heart as well, where you agree to turn away from activities that grieve God and change your mind to the point of being willing to deny yourself and serve God with your whole heart, mind, body, and soul.
Some disagreement burst forth that I was talking about working your way into heaven. The feeling was that they could live as they pleased, as long as they said they were sorry. I then gave an analogy, asking how it would be to live in a marriage with an unfaithful partner who says he/she loves you. The students agreed they would not want their marriage partner to be sleeping around and engaging in any form of sexual relations with another person. I challenged them to think very carefully regarding the fact that God desired them to be faithful to Him in the same way. He has invited us to a wedding; Christ is the bridegroom and we are His bride. This seemed to resonate with some.
I then decided to ask these professing Christians how many thought Jesus was the only way to heaven. Few hands went up. The attitude of most was that we all choose our own path, and it was very unfair for me to make the claim that Christ was the exclusive one. I explained that true repentance and faith restored your relationship with God. Many contested what I was saying in this group of predominantly professing Christians. The validity of the Bible being totally true also arose, as it has so many times on campuses. I found, in this group, many who claimed Jesus Christ was their Savior but doubted some parts of the Bible were true or culturally relevant. This, by the way, provided a convenient excuse for many who were living in sin and yet calling themselves believers. I can only trust God would break through the hardened hearts and they would receive the revelation of the His truth.
A young man approached me after this lengthy discussion and told me why he wasn't a Christian. He said his roommates, who professed to be Christians, lived no differently then he did. He said their hypocrisy is what turned him off, and he would live his life the same way he had. Christianity did nothing for his roommates, so why did he need it. I replied that God's Word is true. He must search it out himself and not allow others, according to how they lived, determine his destiny. I proved to him he was a sinner by asking him questions. I said he had a responsibility -- even though it may be based on selfishness -- to investigate this matter more sincerely, apart from his friends. He walked away thinking about what was said.
Point to Ponder: If you haven't let go of your sins, you are holding onto a hand grenade with the pin pulled out.
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