Repentance is the beginning of a New life
The topic of Repentance is an incredible subject. To some it may come across as negative or scary. I would like to look at the consequences as a result of true repentance. We all know that everything we do has consequences.
For example when we eat too many donuts, for too many days, there will be the consequence of added weight. As a result of that, is the negative consequence of having too much sugar in our body and the consequence of having too much sugar are medical complications such as diabetes, blood pressure, water retention, etc… The most obvious consequence of eating too many donuts is weight gain. In addition to the aforementioned consequences, there is the potential consequence of an image problem, like your clothes not fitting and some extra flab that used to not be there. One day you step on your scale and before you know it, you have gained 50 pounds. Now your eyes are open to the problem of being overweight and you have determined something has to be done. The key word is you have identified that there is a problem and that you are determined to do something about it. The question is: what do you do? Many people become aware that they have a weight problem because there Doctor says something like, “you know, I would like to see you lose 10% of your total body weight by the next time I see you.” He further states that if you keep up at this weight and do nothing about it, you will inevitably get Type I or Type II diabetes and if you don’t start to exercise, there is a high likelihood of heart disease or stroke in your future.”After talking with the Doctor you are really determined to take action because, you don’t want the negative consequences he mentioned. I have been talking about being determined to change after we have identified that there is a problem.
Let’s look at the following scripture reference for further clarification.
Luke Chapter 15 verses 1 – 7
[1] Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
[2] And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
[3] And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
[5] And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
[6] And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
[7] I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
You will notice in verse 7 that the scripture says there is joy in heaven when one sinner repents. That is absolutely awesome. Joy in heaven, what does that look like? I like to think about that. It excites me greatly when I know that heaven is rejoicing over the individual. You see the Lord always looks at us as individuals. He knows us by name. Repentance is an extremely personal matter. You are exposing yourself to the Lord even though he already knows what is in your heart. The Lord and apparently all of heaven love our open and honest sincere confession.
Wait a minute you may be wondering what is the definition of repentance. What does it mean when we are told in the Bible to repent? The following is a thorough explanation of what repentance is:
There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.
The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matthew 27:3).
Metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical repentance consists of a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ; an actual hatred of sin (Psalm 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Corinthians 7:10) and turning from it to God; and a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.
The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Psalm 51:4), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Psalm 51:1; 130:4).
Here is a simple way to look at repentance. We need to have a change of mind and turn away from sin. When we do all of Heaven rejoices. This is a way for us to begin our new life in Christ.