The words "repentance" and "repenHt" in God's Word are translated from the Greek words "metanoia", (noun); "metanoeO", (verb) respectively which refer to a turn about, a deliberate change of mind resulting in a change of direction in thought. When one believes a fact relative to God's revealed Word, one turns from doubt or unbelief to faith in that revealed truth.
The fruit of repentance.
Matt 3:8
John the Baptist told the Pharisees to bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance.
If we have truly repented it will change our whole way of life.
He even called them brood of vipers.
Because they thought just by baptizing by John they can still live in their sinful life.
Mark 1:14-15
New King James Version (NKJV)
Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom[a] of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
HEB 6:1
New International Version (NIV)
Hebrews 6
1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God,
FALSE AND TRUE REPENTANCE.
There are false and true repentance.
Satan has his counterfeit repentance too.
Satan knows that most people live by just one commandment that says
“You shall not get caught.”
Even a thief will feel sorry if he is caught.”
But that is not repentance.
King Saul’s – no true repentance
1 Samuel 15 24-30
When King Saul disobeyed God, he admitted to Samuel that he had sinned.
But he didn’t want the people to know that. He still sought man’s honor.
He hadn’t really repented.
There are many today when they are caught sinning they will admit but no sign of repentance.
What happened to King Saul at he end of his life a tragic death as good as commit suicide.
King Ahab is another example of false repentance.
Both acknowledged their sins.
King Ahab was fearful of God’s judgment when Elijah warned him of his sins.
He even put sackcloth on himself and mourned for his sins.( 1 King 21-27-29)
But after that fell back into sin again.
He died a terrible death also.
Judas Issacariot is another example where there was no true repentance.
He went back to the High Priest to say that he has done a wrong thing by betraying Jesus.
Law cannot Save any one only Grace through Jesus could have saved Judas.
He died a terrible death. Even his intestines gushed out.
What is true repentance?
Is like the prodigal son.
Luke 15:11-24)
I will arise and go to my Father and say Father I have sinned against you and against God.
He came under the undeserved favor.
And the Father blessed him with everything He had.
God is not sin hunting but Grace hunting in order for man to return to Him.
Another story where Luke recorded was Zacchaeaus. Luke 19 :1-10
He climbed on the sycamore tree to see the Savior.
When Jesus saw him, Jesus said I am coming to your house for dinner.
Jesus Himself invited Himself to Zacchaeaus house.
Zacchaeaus willing to pay back what ever he cheated people.
Jesus said Salvation has come to your house.
Being a Tax collector he was hated by many but now he saw Jesus forgiveness.
Restitution involves paying back what he owed people.
GOD RESTORES THOSE WHO REPENT.
Job 42:6
6 Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.”
Job repented and God restored him.
Psalm 51:
King David repented and God restore him.
Matt 26:75
Peter wept bitterly when the cock crowed 3 times. He repented and became a great man of God.
GOD WANT US TO BE GRACE CONSCIOUS.
So that Grace will have power over sin.
Sin shall have no dominion over you.
Repentance gives us the power not to sin.
And this is where the blessings and favor of God will come and over take you.
Get all the blessings of God this year 2012 by just seeking His Kingdom, His Righteousness and all things will be added to you.
