Many people believe that repentance is feeling remorseful about the situation, or saying you are sorry. Repentance is actually a change of mind/heart that results in a change in behavior. It is a life changing decision where we first understand the seriousness of sin, have a desire to be forgiven, and to change the behavior by changing how we think. How many times do we hear someone express remorseful words out of their mouths but there is no change in behavior? True biblical Repentance cannot be achieved without confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Savior (1 John 1:9, Lev 5:5, 26:40-42, Mark 1:4, Acts 20:21).

Repentance is necessary for Salvation. If Repentance was all about leading a sinless life no one would receive Salvation. Salvation is a gift from God that cannot be achieved by works. So if expressing remorse was required for repentance, we are suggesting that works are necessary for salvation. While Repentance is not a work that earns Salvation, it does result in works; a change of heart will produce spiritual fruit (Matthew 3:8). In essence we need to have a change of heart and mind towards Jesus, who is the only one that can wipe out our sins (Acts 3:19). The question is how do we achieve a level of Repentance that is necessary for Salvation.?

  • We know that without Faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Hebrews also state the anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exist and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (NIV). So Faith is also necessary to achieve Salvation. There is some debate as to whether Faith comes before Repentance or Repentance before Faith. The debate is irrelevant; we cannot separate turning from sin through repentance and coming to Christ in faith.
  • Faith comes by Hearing and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) It is impossible to have Faith if you do not Believe in His word. One cannot believe in something that has not been heard.

 

Repentance Pyramid

(Romans 10:9-10) that if you “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 0 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.“

(Romans 10:17)   so then “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.“

(2 Corinthians 7:10) “For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.“

As you can see, there is a definite connection between Repentance, Faith and Salvation.  We know that when we receive Christ, we are justified by faith; not by any works that we might do. A desire to become the new man or woman in Christ is a result of faith-based repentance towards the Lord. So what are you waiting for?  Don’t let the sin in your life keep you from Salvation.  Take the first step which is hearing and believing the Word of God.

“If you’re holding off on a decision for Christ until you think you’re “ready” or “worthy,” then you’re waiting in vain. Jesus is ready to receive you right now. Only as a child of God will you find the power – His power – to truly become the person He created you to be.”

“ A Right View of Repentance”-  Charles Stanley

 

Dee Bowers – Exposing Truth Ministries