REPENTANCE
First let us see that repentance is not:
1. Sorrow. "Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation"(2 Cor 7:9, 10) Godly sorrow is a guilty feeling that leads to repentance, but is not repentance.
2. Penance. Penance is an act on the part of the guilty to render payment for sin. It is to make an effort in some way to atone for wrong done against God or man. God calls all men to repentance, not to do penance.
(a) Jesus did not say do penance and believe the gospel. He said, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:5).
(b) Peter did not say, do penance and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ. He said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin" (Acts 2:38).
(c) Paul did not say, God commandeth all men everywhere to do penance. He said, "God commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).
3. Reformation. Reformation is a change brought about by the efforts of man for self-glory. It is a turning away from known sin, or giving up a bad habit, or trying to overhaul the old nature, or turning over a new leaf, or making restitution. Judas reformed but it did not save him and neither can it save you.
Second, let us see what repentance is:
1. A change. The change is always evidenced in three elements.
(a) The intellectual element, a change of mind.
(b) The emotional element, a change of heart.
(c) The volitional element, a change of will.
2. The parable of the prodigal son is a perfect illustration of repentance. He had a change of mind, a change of heart, and a change of will. Therefore, repentance is a change. The scripture says if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are new. When you change, you become anew. If you know that you are a sinner, and would like to be saved, make this confession. Say, Lord, I am a sinner, forgive me, come into my life. Fill me with your Spirit. Romans 10:8-10, 13 states, "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION
All roads may lead to Rome, but all religions do not lead to God and salvation. There is only one way, and that is God's way; and God's way is a person, and that person is His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"(John4:16).
God's salvation is threefold: First, Christ appeared on this earth to save you from the penalty of sin, by putting away your sin by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross. "For then must he often have since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Hebrew 9:26). Second, he appeared in heaven, in the presence of God, after his resurrection, to save you from the power of sin. Third, he will appear again on this earth, the second time as "Lord of Lord and King of Kings" to save you from the very presence of sin.
Therefore, it is a fact that God loves you and planned for your salvation. God so loved you that he gave his only begotten Son, to be made sin for you, that you might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus was made that which God hates; sin-- that you might be made that which God loves; righteousness. Because God so loves you, you can exchange your sins for His righteousness. Could you ask for greater evidence of love? Before exiting this page admit to yourself that "God Loves me."
If you asked God to come into your life, please contact us to let us know.
