Repentance

Sin and Repentance

Who are called to repentance?

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32.  

What accompanies repentance?

“And repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47.

By what means is sin made known?

“Therefore no one is declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin” Romans 3:20.

How many are sinners?

“What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.”  Verse 9.

What do transgressors bring upon themselves?

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 5:6.

Sensing Sin and Experiencing Salvation

Who awakens the soul to a sense of its sinful condition?

“But when He [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8.

What are fitting inquiries for those convicted?

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37. “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30.

What replies does Inspiration return to these inquiries?

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Christ Jesus for forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38.

“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Acts 16:31. 

Fruits of True Repentance

What will the truly repentant sinner be constrained to do?

“I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” Psalm 38:18.

What is the result of godly sorrow?

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10.  

What does the sorrow of the world do?

“But worldly sorrow brings death.” Verse 10.

How does godly sorrow for sin manifest itself?

“See what godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” Verse 11.  

What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees when he saw them come to his baptism?

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Matthew 3:7.

What did he tell them to do?

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Verse 8.

Note – There can be no true repentance without reformation. Repentance is a change of mind; reformation is a corresponding change of life.

When God sent the Ninevites a warning message, how did they show their repentance, and what was the result?  

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.” Jonah 3:10.

What leads sinners to repentance?

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” Romans 2:4. 

“And When He Came to Himself”

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will rise up and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you, and am no more worthy to be called your son: make me one of your hired servants. And he rose, and came to his father. But when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:17-20.

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