Repentance: It’s a Good Thing
Change of Course
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 3:2 NKJV - … "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
OBSERVATION:
Repentance is often misunderstood today. Many see it as something negative rather than positive, probably because of how it's taught and shown. But actually, it is what brings new life and renewal into our lives.
Repentance isn't something to fear; instead, it provides refreshment. It's a good thing!
Acts 3:19 NKJV - (19) "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Matthew 3:2 NKJV - … "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
OBSERVATION:
Repentance is often misunderstood today. Many see it as something negative rather than positive, probably because of how it's taught and shown. But actually, it is what brings new life and renewal into our lives.
Repentance isn't something to fear; instead, it provides refreshment. It's a good thing!
Acts 3:19 NKJV - (19) "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
“Some people think that repentance is mostly about feelings, especially feeling sorry for your sin. It is wonderful to feel sorry about your sin, but repent isn’t a ‘feelings’ word. It is an action word. John told his listeners to make a change of the mind, not merely to feel sorry for what they had done. Repentance speaks of a change of direction, not a sorrow in the heart.
Is repentance something we must do before we can come to God? Yes and no. Repentance does not describe something we must do before we come to God; it describes what coming to God is like… We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin and the self-life.
John’s main message wasn’t ‘You’re a sinner, you need to repent.’ John’s main message was ‘Messiah the King is coming.’ The call to repentance was the response to the news that the King and His kingdom were coming — indeed, already here in one sense.” – David Guzik.
Is repentance something we must do before we can come to God? Yes and no. Repentance does not describe something we must do before we come to God; it describes what coming to God is like… We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin and the self-life.
John’s main message wasn’t ‘You’re a sinner, you need to repent.’ John’s main message was ‘Messiah the King is coming.’ The call to repentance was the response to the news that the King and His kingdom were coming — indeed, already here in one sense.” – David Guzik.
Jesus continued with John's message: repent, turn from your sins, and be forgiven. Forgiveness is the key. Salvation is only possible through Jesus. We are not saved because we turn from our sins; we are saved because Jesus died for our sins.
In Matthew chapter 3, we observe that something new was taking place in Israel.
Matthew 3:6 NJKV – … Baptized… and confessed their sins.
In Matthew chapter 3, we observe that something new was taking place in Israel.
Matthew 3:6 NJKV – … Baptized… and confessed their sins.
“The participle means, while confessing; not, provided they confessed. This confession of sins by individuals was a new thing in Israel. There was a collective confession on the great day of atonement, and individual confession in certain specified cases (Numbers 5:7), but no great spontaneous self-unburdenment of penitent souls — every man apart. It must have been a stirring sight.” – Alexander Balmain Bruce.
“The ‘Confessing their sins’ which went with baptism in the Jordan gave it its meaning. Apart from the acknowledgement of guilt, it would have been a mere bathing of the person without spiritual significance.” – Charles Spurgeon.
“The ‘Confessing their sins’ which went with baptism in the Jordan gave it its meaning. Apart from the acknowledgement of guilt, it would have been a mere bathing of the person without spiritual significance.” – Charles Spurgeon.
APPLICATION:
Repenting means changing your direction. Today, you might be heading the wrong way. Like the prodigal son, you've gone as far as you can. If you see this, just like him, turn back to the father—he's waiting with open arms.
Repent so your sins can be forgiven, and ask God to renew you with His Spirit. It’s a positive, wonderful thing, not a negative.
Remember, repentance isn't just a one-time event; it’s something to do every day. Seek Jesus daily. When you slip up, confess and make changes in your life. Don’t turn it into just a ritual, but practice it consistently. As we do this, God WILL transform us!
PRAYER:
Jesus, I need You every single day! I often find myself drifting, especially toward self-righteousness—just like the religious leaders in John’s time. I know I can never earn or do enough to cover my sins. I confess my ongoing need for You. Each day, I choose to repent, turn back to You, and follow Your lead. I can’t walk this journey alone; I need You and the Holy Spirit to guide me every step of the way.
Repenting means changing your direction. Today, you might be heading the wrong way. Like the prodigal son, you've gone as far as you can. If you see this, just like him, turn back to the father—he's waiting with open arms.
Repent so your sins can be forgiven, and ask God to renew you with His Spirit. It’s a positive, wonderful thing, not a negative.
Remember, repentance isn't just a one-time event; it’s something to do every day. Seek Jesus daily. When you slip up, confess and make changes in your life. Don’t turn it into just a ritual, but practice it consistently. As we do this, God WILL transform us!
PRAYER:
Jesus, I need You every single day! I often find myself drifting, especially toward self-righteousness—just like the religious leaders in John’s time. I know I can never earn or do enough to cover my sins. I confess my ongoing need for You. Each day, I choose to repent, turn back to You, and follow Your lead. I can’t walk this journey alone; I need You and the Holy Spirit to guide me every step of the way.
Refreshing is Just a Prayer Away!
Posted in Matthew