IN GOOD FAITH: The Message of Repentance, Pt. 2

By PASTOR MARK MOLINA
Living Waters Church

Pastor Mark Molina

Pastor Mark Molina

We saw last week that the message of Jesus to the church and to sinners is that of repentance. Repentance is required for the forgiveness of sin.

What is repentance? What does it look like? Is saying, “I’m sorry” legitimate repentance? Let’s look at the meaning of this word and some Biblical references on this issue.

Jesus said, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance,” (Matthew 9:13 NKJV). Repentance in this context comes from the Greek word “metanoia” – compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision); repentance.

John the Baptist said, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,” (Matthew 3:8 NKJV). Once someone experiences repentance the fruit of their lives should look different. It should be evident as they live and conduct themselves in a completely different manner than in the manner in which they lived in their sin. Literally, the word repentance means to change your mind about how your life is lived. The result is a life that is discernibly different from that of a life of sin.

“John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins,” (Mark 1:4-5 NKJV).

We have to turn away from our sins in order to receive forgiveness. Saying the words, “I’m sorry” does not sufficiently demonstrate that a person is truly repentant. We must have a desire to change the direction and course of our lives.

Part of repentance is also confession. When we say, “I’m sorry,” what are we sorry for? For the things that are seen? Or for the full scope of our sin – the seen and the unseen? We see that confession of sin is part of repentance.

“For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin,” (Psalms 38:18 NKJV). Are we in anguish over our sin? Have we declared our iniquity? Does it matter to us? Does it matter to God? “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV) We see here that it does matter to God whether or not we truly turn from our wicked ways. Forgiveness of sin and healing of our land is conditional on our humility, prayer, and repentance.

Well, if we tell part of the story isn’t that good enough? “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy,” (Proverbs 28:13 NKJV). “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom,” (Psalms 51:6 NKJV). Hiding the truth when confessing is still lying. It is not the truth until it is the whole truth. The sin cannot be fully forgiven until it is fully confessed. That is why we tell our children, “Just tell me truth.” We as parents want the whole story. God, as our Heavenly Father, wants the same from us.

Will God be mad at me if I tell the ugly truth? No. The Bible promises us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (I John 1:9 NKJV).

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 NKJV). It is the unparalleled goodness of God that calls us to a place of repentance! He wants to extend mercy to us! He wants to extend forgiveness to us! However, part of that process is confession. We have to stop hiding from this requirement of repentance.

Whatever it is that you need to repent of and confess to Him, do it now. Let God forgive you.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2014/08/29/in-good-faith-the-message-of-repentance-pt-2/

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