Repentance

Some words that come to mind are; Regret, sorrow, remorse, shame, apology. Simply put it means to regret past sins or actions, or to change ones actions because of regretted past acts. To me, If you don’t want to repent, it means you are proud of your life, and happy to love evil. It means one is addicted to pleasure and possessions, things that disappear and die, instead of things that live and last forever. These things are only a quick fix, and in the scheme of things mean nothing at all. Anyway repentance cannot be truly done unless first one fears God

It is very strange to me that much is spoke of salvation, what it is, what it means, how to get it, why it was given, who gave it, what price was paid for it, when it was given, when it is received, where it leads, but almost nothing is spoken of how to maintain it. Or keep it for want of a better word. In 1Jo 1:7 we read... But if we are walking in the light, as he is in the light, we are all united with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son makes us clean from all sin. I hope I haven’t missed something here, but it says… IF we walk in the light as HE is in the light, meaning righteousness, we are covered by the blood. So guys, better be walking in the same light as Jesus huh?

But as I observe Gods creation, I can see that everything comes to an end, so I know that sooner or later my time will come, and the question I have to ask myself is… “Am I ready if that time sprung itself on me right now”? Well the honest answer, and lets face it…its me who is at stake here, so I have to be honest with myself, but the honest answer has to be NO. There is still so much more room for improvement in taking up my cross, and have I been a good servant to god? I wish I was, but not yet. So although in faith I believe I will be saved, I am not happy with just that, but because I love God so much, my soul desperately wants to please God. You know, like being a favourite of His, whether God has favourites or not, it really doesn’t matter to me, I just want to be His favourite anyway, and so to do this …what do I have to do? The answer should be plain and simple…PLEASE HIM. And how do we do this? Well right through the Old Testament we can clearly see what pleases God. There are many things that please Him, but the main one that jumps right out and bites you if you can’t see it…is righteousness. Look at all Gods favourites throughout the bible. You will see that most of Gods special chosen who He held dear, were, other than faithful, were what?....RIGHTEOUS…amen?

Even throughout the New Testament, the main followers of Jesus were all righteous folk. Not perfect, no…but righteous, yes, and notice the difference in the disciples when they received the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent after He ascended into heaven. Wow, they were on fire even more for Christ then, than what they were when He was with them. They even laid down their lives for Him, which as we remember they were not prepared to do when they were with Jesus. So you see, when we have the Holy Spirit, just like the apostles, we WANT naturally to do good things and hunger and thirst for righteousness, because besides wanting desperately to please God, we also want to be sinless like Jesus. And we can folks, Jesus said we could. So lets first look at what our dear Lord Jesus says about repentance, after all, He is the one who has ALL authority isn’t He?

Mt 19:21 Jesus said to him, If you have a desire to be complete,( most other versions have perfect) go, get money for your property, and give it to the poor, and you will have wealth in heaven: and come after me.

So isn’t Jesus saying here to follow Him AFTER this guy has sold his house? In other words …show me how much you believe in me and give your money to the poor who need it more, and for your good deed you will be blessed in heaven, if you follow me.

Now I’m not saying for everyone to go out and sell up…..but merely think hard about what is required to follow Jesus, repent of all sins, especially the love of money, and be more concerned with treasure in heaven.

Mt 5:48 Be then complete in righteousness, even as your Father in heaven is complete.

Jesus is telling us to be perfect like God…so it is possible, otherwise, why would our Lord say it. And didn’t God say He would never test us beyond our ability? And can we be righteous without repentance?

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus went about preaching and saying, Let your hearts be turned from sin, for the kingdom of heaven is near.

This should sound huge warning bells for us right now in the latter days. Like back then when they were in the latter days of the old covenant before the price of sin was paid for, so too are we in the last days of the new covenant that will end when there will be a new heaven and new earth. And a big Amen to that. So we are to repent to enter this new heaven, there is NO other way

Luke 13: 3 I say to you, It is not so: but if your hearts are not changed,(that is; repent) you will all come to the same end.(or perish) Clear and decisive words.... no need at all for explanation!

LUK 17: 4 And if he does you wrong seven times in a day, and seven times comes to you and says, I have regret for what I have done; let him have forgiveness.} This means that Jesus will also continue to forgive our sins, so long as we sincerely repent. Don’t forget though, He can tell the difference between wilful and ignorant or spur of the moment sin. So take heart those who struggle with sin, Jesus loves you, and will always be beside you, waiting to catch you each time you fall. Like most people, I too struggle.

Ok, next we have Jesus speaking to Paul when He appeared to him on the road to Damascus in…

Acts 26:20 But I went about, first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and through all the country of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, preaching a change of heart, so that they, being turned to God, might give, in their works, the fruits of a changed heart.

So when we repent, according to Jesus, we should be seen to do good works to SHOW we have indeed repented.

Now we switch to Revelations where Jesus is the speaker. In …

Rev 2:5 So keep in mind where you were at first, and be changed in heart ( that is repent) and do the first works; or I will come to you, and will take away your light from its place, if your hearts are not changed. Now this shows that even the saved need to repent if they have fallen or back slid, and Jesus is clear on what will happen if we do not comply. Repentance is for all, not only the unsaved. So this refers to backsliders who have become proud and stiff necked, and are warned to go back to the way things were when they were first saved, when the spirit was overflowing in them and they could do no wrong. Remember those days? I sure do.

And in…Rev 2:22 See, I will put her into a bed, and those who make themselves unclean with her, into great trouble, if they go on with her works. Now the HER here, is the mother of harlots the RCC I believe, so those who are in anyway connected to this church that the Lord speaks of will cop the same penalty unless they repent and come out of her. I truly believe that this is a message direct from Jesus for any church that has any ties whatsoever with the RCC, to cut off that tie, and REPENT of their ways, otherwise the Lord will allow those churches to follow her to destruction. So COME OUT OF HER NOW, while you still can, as your soul could depend on it.

In Rev 3:19 we read To all those who are dear to me, I give sharp words and punishment: then with all your heart have sorrow for your evil ways.

Jesus shows His true love for his sheep by punishing them when they stray, in order for them to repent. Now Jesus has written on our hearts His laws and Commandments, so there is no escaping the guilt we are to feel when we sin. How else can He discipline us? He must chastise us because He loves us, knowing if we don’t repent… we are lost. Jesus suffered too much to just let us wander off aimlessly to our death. According to Him, we are worth fighting for, and that’s why He goes to so much trouble to bring us back.

And…Rev 3:3 Keep in mind, then, the teaching which was given to you, and be ruled by it and have a change of heart. If then you do not keep watch, I will come like a thief, and you will have no knowledge of the hour when I will come on you.

Jesus tells us here to hold fast to the truth that’s been given to us, and to repent from our old ways, and then to continue to LIVE in it, otherwise He will come upon us like a thief in the night.

Interesting that the word repent has appeared more times in Revelations than anywhere else in the bible…7 times to be precise, and note also that the laodicean church is the 7^th church….and as most feel that the message to this church was specifically aimed at us in the end times, could it be that the message of repentance was specifically meant more so for us right now?…today? It seems the more the world progressed, the more immoral it became, and that’s why Jesus said… MAR 13:20 {And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.} It seems those days are all but upon us folks. If God did not shorten the days, anarchy would run rampant, it would be dog eat dog, and eventually man would hang himself and destroy the world. No doubt about that here.

Now let’s see what Paul mentions about repentance.

In 2corinthians 13:11 we read

Let this be my last word, brothers; be glad; be complete; be comforted; be of the same mind; be at peace with one another: and the God of love and peace will be with you. ; see, we are made complete or perfect by Christ in us……a Holy Spirit driven will to repent and overcome the sin in our lives in order to arrive at perfection. It may or may not be possible to do this according to ones will and strength, but whatever your opinion, it should NEVER stop you trying to be perfect. Jesus don’t wave a no magical wand and make us perfect…its up to us …it’s our choice to obey Him, and He will strengthen us, so that in the end we will win victory over that devil Satan. If we do this…..the God of peace will be with us. Remember, with Christ we do have the power, and what a glorious power that is, so don’t let that power go to waste in you, it’s a free gift, use it in it’s fullness, and you can accomplish anything. Each time one defeats that pervert Satan, one grows stronger in spirit, and what Glory it gives our Lord Jesus Christ, right in the face of Satan himself who squirms at the sight.

In Phi 3: 12-20 we read… Not as if I had even now got the reward or been made complete: but I go on in the hope that I may come to the knowledge of that for which I was made the servant of Christ Jesus.

13 Brothers, it is clear to me that I have not come to that knowledge; but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before,

14 I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Then let us all, who have come to full growth, be of this mind: and if in anything you are of a different mind, even this will God make clear to you:

16 Only, as far as we have got, let us be guided by the same rule.

17 Brothers, take me as your example, and take note of those who are walking after the example we have given.

18 For there are those, of whom I have given you word before, and do so now with sorrow, who are haters of the cross of Christ;

19 Whose end is destruction, whose god is the stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, whose minds are fixed on the things of the earth.

20 For our country is in heaven; from where the Savior for whom we are waiting will come, even the Lord Jesus Christ:

Paul was being extremely humble when he said he was not perfect yet, and the meaning he was stressing here is to forget about the past, and stretching or pressing or working to the future towards the mark of perfection in Christ Jesus, and he goes on to say that those who are mature to think the same, and those who don’t yet agree, God will in time reveal this truth. Paul also says to be guided by this rule and to use him as an example. So he is suggesting it wont be easy, but rather a struggle.

Now Paul also brings this to the attention of those who have heard it all before, and he is sad, because their end will be destruction because they are too fond of worldly things to strive for perfection. In other words, they will find reasons and justifications for their sin by twisting the word of God to read that they are saved IN their sin, and refuse to repent, but they turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to…

Heb 10:26 For if we do evil on purpose after we have had the knowledge of what is true, there is no more offering for sins. This is clear on repentance, and it totally amazes me how even those without the comforter, can read the words of Jesus and Paul any other way, let alone those professing to have it. The Holy Spirit convicts sin, and the individual chooses whether to overcome it or not.

Now here is another piece of scripture that adds more credence to repentance. 2 Timothy 3 11-17 reads…

11. My punishments and pain; the things which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; the cruel attacks made on me: and the Lord made me free from them all.

12 Yes, and all whose purpose is to be living in the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus, will be cruelly attacked.

13 Evil and false men will become worse and worse, using deceit and themselves overcome by deceit.

14 But see that you keep to the teaching you have been given and the things of which you are certain, conscious of who has been your teacher;

15 And that from the time when you were a child, you have had knowledge of the holy Writings, which are able to make you wise to salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus.

16 Every holy Writing which comes from God is of profit for teaching, for training, for guiding, for education in righteousness:

17 So that the man of God may be complete, trained and made ready for every good work.

First we see that Paul and all those living in the truth are attacked for the truth by the evil and the deceitful people, and then we see him telling us to be sure and teach this truth. Next notice the words…”being made wise to salvation”. What does this mean? Well in my opinion, and its only opinion, it means through the word, we can become wise to salvation, but ONLY through our Lord Jesus Christ, and the comforter He gives to the pure in heart.

So those without the Holy Spirit will more than likely preach other than repentance. You know, ‘your saved mate, there’s nothing left you need to do, don’t worry about all your future sins…they are covered by the blood of Jesus’. As this is indeed true, but if you use the grace of Christ as a license to sin, then He will not know you. This I am sure of. Now in verse 16, we see the word of God is for TRAINING, and Guidance, and education in RIGHTEOUSNESS, so if we are saved on professing Christ, then why do we need these things? Well IF we profess Jesus with our hearts instead of our tongue that can lie, then we ARE indeed saved at conception in Christ, and will WANT to repent of all sin, so that would lead us to righteousness, and have a powerful desire to do good works. And now comes the crunch verse…17. We repent and do all these things, so we may be PERFECT, trained and made READY for every good work.

So how can we possibly do good works while unrepentant? Some say we don’t need to do good works. They say we are not under the law and we can’t be saved by works. Well blow me down… that’s true, but what that scripture means is…BY WORKS ALONE we cannot be saved. Do they just ‘white out’ all the repent and good works verses?

So to me, it’s the unrepentant that believe this, because they choose not to overcome the sin in their lives as worldly things mean more to them than Godly things. But you will never see them admit that, and why should they…it’s self incriminating isn’t it. And Jesus said in Mat 10:37 He who has more love for his father or mother than for me is not good enough for me; he who has more love for son or daughter than for me is not good enough for me. This is more or less telling us to put nothing of this world, including our loved ones or pleasures above Christ.

Now Luke writes in… ACS 2: 38 And Peter said, Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you This shows we can’t receive the Holy Spirit UNTIL AFTER we repent and is backed up by…ACS 3:19 So then, let your hearts be changed and be turned to God, so that your sins may be completely taken away, and times of blessing may come from the Lord; So by repenting, all our past sins are taken away and God will bless us….Wow, so cool…but what happens if we sin again? Well, until that sin is covered by the blood of Christ, we still fall under the law of sin. Sorry guys, no more blessings or measure of Holy Spirit while sin is still apparent in you. One needs to confess that new sin to God, and go through the motions all over again. But be warned; don’t try to fool God, He too smart for ya boy…BE SINCERE!

And again we see in Acts 17:30 Those times when men had no knowledge were overlooked by God; but now he gives orders to all men in every place to undergo a change of heart: Notice ALL men everywhere? Even us Christian’s folks, if we are still sinning, we got to still repent all over again…….and again... and again, until we finally learn our lesson. But hey… chin up… it’s worth it in the end guys.

The following verses from Ezekiel make manifest a powerful message in me, not only for repentance, but for overcoming and defeating sin altogether in Jesus, in order to keep a clean house. And we all know God don’t live in a dirty house.

Any way, Eze 18: 30 For this cause I will be your judge, O children of Israel, judging every man by his ways, says the Lord. Come back and be turned from all your sins; so that they may not be the cause of your falling into evil.

31 Put away all your evil-doing in which you have done sin; and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit: why are you desiring death, O children of Israel?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him on whom death comes, says the Lord: be turned back then, and have life.

Repentance is even more made important by the fact it hurts God deeply to see one suffer eternal torment. I believe He mourns and cries for the lost.

Well that finishes the word of God on repentance, but if I may, I would just like to take a minute or two to add something of a personal note.

First just a quick word on the context of the scriptures. Most times one verse will explain all, but in some cases it does not, and usually these verses are critical to our belief system, so be very careful about building a belief system on one verse…be diligent and get the full meaning of all scripture. Supposing a friend had a sick liver, and you were reading a medical journal on the subject, and towards the end of a page it said, “if you have a liver problem, drink herbal tea, (coma) …and at this point, you get all excited and rush off to pass on this information to your friends. Later while you are looking over the notes again you turn the page over from where you left off, and you found the sentence was not completed. It actually goes on to say…”you will die”. So what this is actually saying is….if you have a liver problem, drink herbal tea, and you will die.

So now we can see the danger of taking anything out of context It could be critical.

Look, I know it is hard do away with the joys of the flesh and the world, but think of the ramifications of not doing this, and if you still don’t get it…think more of the reward in heaven for doing it. God can see your faithfulness when you sacrifice your pleasure for Him, don’t underestimate Him, not only does He see it, but He puts aside a treasure for you to receive in due time. Also, by fulfilling repentance, it will bring you closer to God and reveal the hidden things that only the Holy Spirit can reveal, and give you so much more ammunition against the enemy.

But a word of warning folks, total repentance will bring a barrage of attacks from the enemy…an all out war that will test you to your limit, but be assured, these attacks will not go beyond your limits, so don’t ever give up…keep up the good fight as Paul says, and concentrate on love of Jesus that will give you all the strength that you need. A simple philosophy I use is this: when someone is fruitlessly annoying me, I ignore them until they get tired of me and go away…well I treat the devil the same way. When that liar can see Christ fighting my battles for me, he flees like a scalded cat, because he knows he is no match in the end. So ignore him and he will eventually give up on you, but a word of advise…once Christ has cleaned out your house….KEEP it clean, otherwise in no time at all you will have a herd of those devils ruling your house again, and from there it will be hard to get back from.

Jesus speaks in revelations to the Laodecian church about what He will be forced to do with the lukewarm. These following verses are critical to our salvation, and needs understanding that can only come by being close to our Father. Please take extra time now, to study them, understand them, behold them, and fulfil them.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

Now when we take Mt 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen, into consideration here, we can now see clearly that these verses in revelations are synonymous. Jesus says He KNOWS our works, and he is not happy with them, so he is forced (by the universal law of the Father) to spew us out of his mouth unless of course we REPENT. Jesus is also showing this church ( this latter day church ) that even though we profess Him with our lips, He is still not in us. Only by repentance on hearing His voice, will He come in. And what a reward there is for those who overcome…to sit with Him at his throne. Ask your self now, “what is my relationship with Jesus? am I keeping His two new commandments that cover the ten commandments? am I taking up my cross,? am I enduring to the end?” If we are doing all these things, then life will be a struggle for us, and we are to endure this struggle to the end. So are you struggling? If not, then I am sorry, but you do not have a relationship with Jesus.

Now most of you probably have not really learned much, or anything for that matter, by this lecture today, but at least it will serve as a reminder as to your commitment in Christ...maybe even some encouragement, and God knows we all need it, especially in these modern days of technology where evil is plastered everywhere on the screens, on the internet, in the magazines... all in the name of art.

Now in closing, I just want to encourage you all in the good fight we engage to the GLORY of our Lord Jesus, and don’t be disheartened when you fall of your bike, get back up and try again... Do you think God can’t see this? Sure He can see your endeavours, and knows it is in faith in Him that you rise up to face the enemy, so He will give you strength and ammunition so you will, in Christ, win victory over that beast the devil. In Jesus we can do it people. It’s worth it ... I promise.

And before I go, I would just like to remind you of Isaiah 40:31... it reads

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. I have this in text stuck to the wall between my bedroom and living room... I have to pass it at least twice every day, and it is of much encouragement to me…hope it can be to you also.

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