Repentance

Scripture:

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5)

Observation:

This scripture shows the importance of repentance. Repentance is a turning away from sin and turning to God. The word repent is not a popular word because it assumes that someone is a sinner, it assumes that they are at odds with God. I like this scripture because their baptism was a symbol of their turning from sin and confession of sin. Repentance is the first step to becoming a Christian, if you skip that you will have a faith that can't save.

Mark 1:15b

"Repent and Believe the Gospel."

Mark 6:12

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God.

Luke 3:8

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Application:

Repentance is not something I did one time, it is a new life in Christ. Repentance is not like building a house, "I'm workin' on it", no, it is a total surrender and turning from all sin. Repentance goes hand in hand with faith in Christ. If faith is a car, repentance is the wheels on the car, that drive me away from sin, and toward God. Even as a new creation in Christ I fall into sin, and I hate it. But, I'm thankful for the new repentant heart that God has given me. It is because of the God given repentance that I don't do drugs and alcohol anymore, that I don't watch pornography anymore. It is because of God given repentance that I'm totally faithful to my wife, that I don't even want to look at other women. I can't take credit for my repentance or faith in Jesus, they are both a gift of total grace. All I can do is thank Jesus!

Acts 20:21

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike- the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and having faith in our Lord Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for granting me repentance. Thank you for giving me a new heart. Thank you for taking my dead spirit and making it alive. Thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. In Jesus name, Amen!