Repenting: It's not that simple
"I'm going to have to repent after this weekend..."
Not even an hour after writing last weeks' blog post, I already felt on my spirit what this weeks' topic was going to be. The topic is REPENTANCE. Apparently, a lot of people have a misunderstanding when it comes down to the topic. People are thinking that asking for forgiveness and repentance are the same thing.
They aren't the same thing.
In fact - check out these definitions: (from google)
Repent - (verb) - Feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.
Forgiveness - (noun) - The action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.
Repentance - (noun) - The action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.
Webster defines repent as "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life."
Repenting holds a lot of weight - not only by definition - but also in The Bible. The words "repent/repentance" show up in the King James version of The Bible more than 100 times! Even Jesus constantly told people to "repent for the kingdom of God is at hand". Repenting isn't just simply asking God for forgiveness after you've slipped up and did something wrong -- it's an actual shift in action. Repenting is feeling sincerely sorry for whatever sin it was, and literally turning away from it.
2 Chronicles 7:14 states, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
It's interesting how this is ordered. I find significance in the fact that the last step before forgive their sin is turn from their wicked ways. Repentance is actually what sets the stage for forgiveness. Sin is what separates us from God -- so if you turn away from sin; then the only conclusion is that you're turning toward righteousness.
To sum it all up -- Jesus died on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. When we are forgiven, by definition that means that God is no longer angry or resentful toward us for the mistake that we made. However, how can He forgive us of something that we aren't truly sorry for ourselves? How can He forgive us if we are sinning on purpose and feel no real remorse after? You can't say things like "I'm going to have to repent after this", because that means 1. You know what you're doing is wrong and choose to do it anyway, and 2. Repenting isn't just asking for forgiveness.
It's not that simple.
"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9
After that -- join a good faith based Bible based church -- get baptized -- read The Word everyday! Pray everyday! Trust me, I did it. It's still and will forever be the best decision that I have ever made in life!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the faith. Let's figure it out together with God. livingoutvisions@gmail.com
God Bless.
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