Repent and Believe

Repentance involves our mental acceptance of the fact that we have sinned and our sins have not only affected others, but have hurt and wounded God. This should produce within us a deep heartfelt sorrow over what we have done, where it literally breaks our hearts when we think about it.

But it cannot stop there. This must be followed by a definite course of action where we turn away from our sin, directly to the Lord God who forgives our sin and cleanses us from all our iniquities (1 John 1:9).

Repentance is nothing short of God’s gracious gift of goodness. Paul said those who judge others are in truth judging themselves and hardening their hearts by not allowing God’s sanctifying work to be done within them. He says that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Repentance is vital to a believer’s walk and relationship with God. None of us should hesitate when convicted by the Holy Spirit to repent. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world (you and me) of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come (John 16:8).

God’s desire is for His people to repent and turn to Him.

“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).

Repentance is all about preparing the way for Jesus to come into our hearts. Jesus is also longsuffering, not wanting any to miss out on His blessing of heaven.

A student asked a rabbi, “Rabbi, when should a man repent?”

The rabbi responded, “You need to make sure you repent on the last day of your life.”

The student asked how could anyone ever know when no one is sure when their last day will be.

The rabbi replied saying, “The answer is simple. Repent now!”

Repent, and believe. Don’t wait until tomorrow; do it today.