What Does it Mean to Repent? The word repent means to change position or direction. The change is usually motivated by deep remorse for something said, a wicked deed, or evil thoughts. Biblical repentance is followed by restitution wherever possible and a willingness to follow a path of righteousness.

Why Repent? “God commands all men everywhere to repent because he has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness…” (Acts 17:30)

Jesus said, “ EXCEPT YE REPENT–YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH .” (Luke 13:3.).

The Apostle Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38).

King David Prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God…”(Psalm 51:1-17)

God Is Not A Man–He Cannot Lie: (Numbers 23:19). Therefore, whenever He speaks, obedience is the only expected response, and that without question. God, nevertheless, allows questions, that we may gain a better understanding of who He is and so learn to trust Him.

When Abraham and Sarah were having doubts, God encouraged them with these words; “Is There anything Too Hard for God.” (Genesis 18:14).

When Mary asked the question– “How can these things be…?” The angel responded,” For with God, Nothing Shall Be Impossible” (Luke 2:37).

For centuries the Church has taught repentance as the standard of the Christian experience–a daily confession of all sins. But, from the beginning with Adam and Eve, God has always been much more concerned about our “Obedience” to His word. Through his infinite mercies, God continues to allow repentance as the means whereby “The Penitent” can be restored in his relationship. God, however, never intended that repentance should be used as a crutch for disobedience.

Repentance Is Never A Substitute For Obedience.

 

NO…! We are not at liberty to sin just because we can repent. 

  • “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”(Romans 6:1,2).
  • “For brethren, we have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh…” (Galatians 5:13).
  • “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
  • “This I say then, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16).
  • “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof.” (Romans 6:12).
  • Know ye not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are…whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness. (Romans 6:16).
  • “This I say then, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16).
  • “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof.” (Romans 6:12).
  • Know ye not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are…whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness. (Romans 6:16).

Obedience , therefore, should be the  Primary Focus of the Church–not repentance, as has been the practice, for far too long.

 The Prophet Samuel declared– “Hath the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of God. Behold! To obey is better than sacrifice. 

Whenever we hear instructions from “The Word of God,” our singular response is to obey. (That’s Wisdom).

LAW AND GRACE:

Under Old Testament Law, Obedience was commanded and demanded. Every act of disobedience was met with severe consequences.

However, in the New Testament, Jesus brought grace (Unmerited Favor). The woman caught in the act of adultery would have been stoned to death. But, Jesus said,” Neither do I condemn thee, Go and Sin No More.”  (John 8:1-11).

Why would anyone—caught in the act of adultery, embarrassed and humiliated want to go through this ordeal a second time?

In his compassion, Jesus forgave her, though she spoke not one word of repentance.  What wondrous love the Father bestows on us, even when we’re condemned?

By grace, through faith, we all have access to this same love. So, “let us come boldly…that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in times of need.”  (Hebrews 4:16)

LOVE :

As Christians, we obey, not because of a commandment but constrained by love.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments. ” (John 14:15)

For, when we are obedient, there’s no need for repentance.

We must repent when we choose to disobey.

Remember, Our Obedience Is Also An Act Of Worship.

Furthermore, as Dr. Mike Murdock says, “Obedience Is the Only Proof of Our Faith In God.”

GOING ON TO PERFECTION:

  •  “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance…” (Hebrews 6:1).
  • “Be ye therefore perfect, even as you Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48).
  • “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith…unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12).
  • “…Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
  • Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered–and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:8,9).

 Our True Identity:

He suffered to identify with us; we must obey to be identified with Him.

  • “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us, we must arm ourselves with the same mind…” (1 Peter 4:1). 
  • “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…”(Philippians 2:5,8). 
  • “Heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together.”
  • “For, I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory which shall be revealed.” (Romans 8:17,18).

Simply Obey.

Let us pray : Heavenly Father, help us to walk in obedience, not according to our former lust in ignorance, but Father, give us the grace to serve you acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, from this day forward. Amen