Articles

Articles

Repentance

In Acts17:30 we read, And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent." Again the scripture saith, "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47. May we study for a few moments on the subject of repentance.

Repentance is such an important command from the Lord, in fact, it’s an essential commandment to our eternal salvation. Men are confused as to what repentance is. Some may say "It’s feeling sorry for sin", others may say "It’s asking forgiveness" or that we "Ask for repentance". But repentance is a change of mind, a change of heart. Now it is brought about by godly sorrow, 2 Corinthians 7:10 "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." Notice Paul said that godly sorrow worketh repentancenot that godly sorrow is repentance. Genuine godly sorrow leads to that change of mind, which will manifest itself in the fruits of repentance, a changed life! Notice in Acts 26:19-20, "Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." Yes men who in fact repent, will do the works meet for repentance. This is a tough command, because men do not change easy. But beloved, it’s either turn or burn. Luke 13:3 "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Have you repented?