FOUNDATION
REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS
What is Repentance
To repent, according to the dictionary, means, “to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action OR attitude. ”
Repentance, according to the Bible, means more. The Greek word used in the New Testament for repentance is μετανοέω (metanoeō), and it means to change one’s mind for the better, to amend with abhorrence one’s past deeds. In simpler terms, repentance means to feel bad about the sin you have committed, and to turn to God, while turning away from your sinful ways.
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Repentance is, often times, an act. A turning from sin may include the righting of wrongs.
What does the act of repentance look like?
Luke 19:8-9 But Zacckaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too, is a son of Abraham.
Matthew 3:11 and Acts 19:4 show John’s baptism with water was unto repentance.
Matthew 3:8 and Luke 3:8 has John requiring fruits of repentance before baptism.
1 John 1:9. Verbally asking God for forgiveness.
James 5:16 Openly confessing sins to another person states also results in healing.
2 Corinthians 4:2. Audibly renouncing our sins.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored.
Does the law help us overcome sin and repent?
Romans 7 tells us that the law is holy and just, and the law revealed people’s sinful nature, and showed us that we do what is contrary to God. But the law could do nothing to restore our relationship to God. Paul then laments the fact that his own body is killing itself because of his own sin.
Now when we talk about death we don’t just consider it a metaphor or an expression for our spirit, our soul, or whatever you want to call that part of us that is made in God’s image. It is also a physical death of the body, much as Paul describes, it is our own sin killing us day by day. No wonder Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” Then Paul tells us, it is Jesus. Only He can set us free from the sin that is killing us, inside and out, every day of our lives.
There are opportunistic acts of sins like lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, anxiety, fear, etc., And there are addictive acts of sins like sexual sins, gluttony, anorexia, drug addictions, over indulgence, extreme risks, worldly sorrow.
Romans 2:4 The kindness of God leads to repentance. NOT THE LAW!
Repent of what? The obvious top ten.
- love God only
- Don't bow to any graven image or anything as a god,
- Don't take the Lord’s name in vain
- Remember the Sabbath
- Honor your father and Mother (may include financially)
- Do not kill,
- Do not commit adultery
- Don't steal
- Don't bear false witness
- Don't covet what is your neighbors.
Luke 12:12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at the time what you should say.
What benefit does the act of repenting bring?
Acts 26:20 after repentance, this allows us to do the works that God set up for us to do.
2 Tim 2:25 repentance leads to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Cor 7:10. repentance then guides you safely and leaves no regrets.
Acts 20:17 states repentance is the prerequisite to have faith.
Acts 11:18 and Acts 13:48 state repentance leads unto Life.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored.
What fruit should be seen?
Galatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret
Matthew 3:8 and Luke 3:8 has John requiring fruits of repentance before baptism.
1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the ONE who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. We know that we are children of God, and that the entire world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know HIM who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Other calls about repentance
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
In context, Jesus was talking about being accused of operating by the power of Satan when performing a miracle. Specifically, over powering Satan and an evil spirit that Jesus drove out of someone.
Luke 11:28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
When Apostle Paul first heard God's voice, The Lord addressed Paul's actions(sin) and brought correction.
Acts 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Hearing The Lords voice called Paul to Repent.