Rev. E. Anderson
REPENTANCE
Repentance is a very Biblical and relevant word to be understood and applied in a spiritual and practical manner by man in relation to God and also in human relationships. The deft definition afforded is that of demonstrating regret and sorrow over something done or left undone, and to feel such pain and remorse that brings about immediate amendment and change of mind, attitude and procedure of life. There is not only contrition and penitence deeply sensed, there is the definite refusal to be and do such things again. Repentance carried within it a right about turn and a moving in the opposite direction. There is a complete break with what has been and a new way of life and conduct in evidence.
One of the things that God called His ancient people to do was to be sorry for the way that had messed up their lives and future because of their evil practices and ways. Instead of being loyal and faith to God and His covenant they had been obstinate and disobedient and done their own thing. The consequence of their wickedness and waywardness brought about not only separation from God but they failed to know and enjoy His blessings. They brought themselves under the curse of sin and evil and so missed out on a choice existence. The Old Testament is very much about their failure to enter into and experience the beautiful and bountiful things that God wanted to do for them through a holy accord with Him.
Much of the Old Testament focuses attention on the ministry of the prophets, the seers and spokesmen of God that exposed their evil conduct and its consequences. They made their appeal to each generation to repent and turn from the sinful ways and if they did so then they could expect God to be gracious in restored relationship and blessing. Joel cried out in his day saying on behalf of the Lord: ‘Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn you even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning, and rend your hearts and not your garments. . . . . who knoweth if He will repent, and leave a blessing behind Him . . . ‘ 2: 12-14.
The prophet Jonah was very successful when he preached the message of repentance to a heathen, Gentile city. Making known the fact that God was going to bring judgment down on it the people immediately responded with genuine sorrow. They said, ‘Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He had said He would do unto them
; and He did it not’ – Jonah 3: 9, 10.
The message of Christ and the Christian Church emphasised the need and call to repentance – Matthew 3: 2; Luke 13: 3; Acts 2: 38; 3: 19. Paul goes further and truly underlines it by stating – ‘but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent’ – Acts 17: 30. This is not an option open to man. Unless he repents then there will be no salvation from sin, no new life and certainly no heaven but the prospect of eternal judgment and damnation. All men are in a sinful and condemned state before God and need to cast themselves upon the mercy and goodness of God. Unless you have repented by being sorry over your sin and being ready to forsake it and to turn to Christ as your Saviour, there is no future prospect of heaven for you. God calls for and commands your repentance.
It is also true that in relationship with other people we must learn to repent when we have committed evil in any way against them, Forgiveness and pardon must besought and the will to turn away from all evil practiced against them.
In considering this word and Biblical them, the Christian Church through its preachers and message must sound out clearly in Christendom and to the world at large the truth of divine repentance. A spiritual responsibility is the lot of all who profess to be true messengers of the Gospel. It must never be forgotten hat the first word in its presentation is ‘repent’ and the first things demanded of the sinner is ‘repentance’. No one can amend the message or the procedure!
‘But showed first unto them . . . . that they should repent and turn to god, and do works meet for repentance’ – Acts 26: 20
PRAYER
Help me to make sure that I have truly done this in relation to my own mind, heart and life and aid in the proclamation of this vital truth and message to others
