Repentance

Repentance – What Does It Really Require?

Believers in Jesus Christ are called to seek forgiveness for their sins — something that was made freely available by Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. Repentance is an essential act that is covered throughout the New Testament scriptures, with believers embracing Jesus’ sacrifice and making a concerted effort to change their ways. Forgiveness and repentance are fixtures in the New Testament. Yet, the church, the Body of Jesus Christ ignores this important aspect of our Christine walk even though it is the first step in the doctrines of Jesus Christ,  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine (teachings) of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment, Hebrews 6:1-2. When was the last time your pastor preached on repentance?  How many teachings have you heard on this subject?

At its core, repentance is a routine and consistent act that includes not only an admission of wrongdoing, but also a pledge to do better. According to Merriam-Webster, the repentance definition is “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life.” Since every human sins every day, Christ’s death offers forgiveness to all those who are willing to engage in repentance. The Bible makes this clear again and again.

Sin

First step is to understand how sin works in our lives. We have to acknowledge that sin is a huge issue in our lives. We are oblivious to how much we sin every day. In the world today, right has become wrong and wrong has become right.  Most of us are operating in the gray area between right and wrong and if we don’t repent, we will become slaves to sin, Romans 6:20-22 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Second step is we must identify the sin.  Sin will bring us into bondage and will compromise our relationship with our Father.  Sin brings us into a gray area of not knowing right from wrong.  Sin will affect our faith.  This is outlined in Hebrews and it shows us the progression of Jesus’s doctrines from repentance to faith.  We need to repent so that we can have faith in God’s truth leading to laying on of hands for healing of our sickness and disease.  Sin will not allow us move onto and experience faith without getting rid of sin through repentance.

Commons Sins in Our Lives That We May Not Comprehend

God tells us not to worry three times in Mathew 6 (verses 25, 31, 34).  We worry about our children, jobs, finances, what people think of us, our health, fear of failure, fear of not dieting and exercising, fear of rejection, traumas, fear of man, fear, fear, and more fear.  So, if we have worry 25 times a day and this is a conservative number, without repentance, then we have a problem.  Multiply 25 times 365 days and we have 9125 un-repented sins.  This is just worry (fear, anxiety, terror, stress). 

What about depression, idols, anger, rejection, feeling unloved, abandonment, grudges, taking offense, bitterness, envy, self-accusation, self-hatred, self-bitterness, guilt, unloving of self, shame, self-condemnation, jealousy, slander, gossiping, murmuring/complaining, un-forgiveness, porn, TV porn, adultery, abortions (over 60 million, the sin of our nation and we have their blood on our hands), divorce, addictions (food, shopping, drugs, alcohol TV), pride, driveness to succeed, to name a few?

Is not obeying our government a sin? Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves Romans 13:1-2. How many of you roll through red lights or stop sign? 95% don’t come to a complete stop.

Which of these sins apply to you? Sin becomes so common in us that it becomes one with us.  It does not allow us to distinguish right from wrong.  Sin hinders our relations ship with God, His Son, and the Helper/Holy Spirit.

 

Jesus Commands Repentance

Jesus himself made it clear that repentance is key, urging people to turn to God and ask for forgiveness for their sins:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand- Matthew 4:17.

Like Jesus, John the Baptist also warned that the end was drawing nearer and that it was essential to repent:        

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ - Matthew 3:1-3.

Repent, Don’t Hide Sins

The Bible also speaks of the importance of not hiding one’s sins, noting that an admission of wrongdoing can help people find “mercy.”

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy - Proverbs 28:13  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:7

Repentance Leads to Wiping Away of Sins

By admitting one’s sins and repenting, it is possible to be spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, - Acts 3:19

In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, - 2 Timothy 2:25.  Note: We can’t know the truth (right from wrong) if we don’t repent because sin keeps us in darkness. Sin causes us to compromise God and His Word.

“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. 23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?- Ezekiel 18:21-23 (NIV)

 A Failure to Repent Can Be Damaging

According to the Bible, there are consequences to refusing to repent one’s sins.

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent (no shame or regret) heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, - Romans 2:5

I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish - Luke 13:3 Perish from what? Sickness and disease.

God is Faithful and Just

Repentance and, in turn, forgiveness, shows God’s love for us through his willingness to purify us from our poor choices and sins.

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

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land - 2 Chronicles 7:14.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16.

How Do I Truly Repent?

Repentance is an emotional, heartfelt, humbling, and contrite attitude towards God.  Repentance is prayer and unfortunately, we as believers pray very little for repentance or anything else for that matter.  Muslims pray five set times per day to their god.  How many times do we pray to God Almighty? Isn’t our God greater than any earthly gods?

Repentance is a declaration to the heavenlies.  Not only to God, but we are sending a message to the spiritual realm, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places Ephesians 6:12. This is where the real battle is being fought.  

When we pray to God for anything, we are making a petition or declaration.  Prayer is spiritual warfare and constant repentance during the day, every day, is key to coming out from under our sinful ways.  We certainly can’t sin at least 25 times throughout the day and do nothing.

Sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sim, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin. Sin = 25

Repentance = ZERO.  Deliverance from sin = ZERO.  Deliverance from sickness and disease = ZERO.

What kingdom is winning this battle? Are you getting the point? If you sin all day long, you must repent all day long.

What I have learned about God and His Word is that His Word is very basic.  It simply requires us to obey and submit to His righteousness. God and His Word is not complicated. Mankind has made God’s Word complicated.  So, I am going to show you an uncomplicated to way to pray for repentance that works, but it requires everyday consistency. 

Based on the scriptures, it’s clear that God made a way for salvation and forgiveness. That way is paved with acts of repentance with the Bible repeatedly telling us that we should embrace Jesus’ sacrifice and speak to God about our wrongs. This is as simple as speaking to our Lord God directly and repenting of our sins and asking for God’s help because we can’t do it by our own strength. This shouldn’t be done out of mere fear, but with heartfelt sorrow. God calls us to Him, and repentance is simply the repeated act of answering that call. A repentance declaration.

The three keys are:

Obedience – But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Romans 6:17

Submission to His Righteousness – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you Romans 6:33

Declarations – Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing James 3:10. Declarations are extremely important.  When you repent out loud, it is a declaration to the spirit world.  You are sending the message that you want to change your sinful ways.  Daily declaration, and it requires to be specific, will reverse your sinful ways.  It’s God’s promise.

Prayer of Repentance – “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 Ezekiel 18:30-31.

Prayer: Father, in Jesus name, I come before Your thrown of grace and mercy to confess my sins to You.  I choose to repent so that iniquity will not be my ruin. I know I cannot do this by my own power.  Father, I asked You to forgive my sins and help me repent. I ask You to give me a new heart and a new spirit so that I can be free from sins. I choose to die to sin. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me Galatians 2:20. Amen and Amen.

This is your daily prayer that we have NO choice, but to use throughout the day to overcome sin.  We cannot afford to ignore repentance because time is getting short. Pass this along to leadership and wait for the feedback or lack of.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Amen and many blessings to you all,

Tony Sanchez 6/28/2019