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Jesus taught that the gospel message includes repentance. In His last words to the disciples, He said. . .
That repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47, ESV).
Peter followed the instructions of Jesus, and while preaching the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, said to those responding. . .
Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
The Apostle Paul’s preaching also included repentance. . .
I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:20-21).
Repentance, mentioned about 60 times in the New Testament, is a major doctrine of the Bible, and yet, do we talk about repentance today? How many sermons have you heard recently on repentance? Admittedly, there could be an out-0f-biblical cultural context with the word that leads to undue harshness, causing some churches and preachers to use softer terms and phrases.
However, there is a biblical directness to repentance.
The Greek word for “repentance” means “changing our minds.” Individuals must admit faults as a precursor to their repentance, which might create hesitancy on our part, because telling someone they need to change their mind often boomerangs back on us with accusations of our narrow-mindedness.
But Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
Repentance can’t be softened, or it diminishes our responsibility for sin, and we find in Scripture devastating consequences for lack of repentance. . .
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).
And while repentance can be a comeuppance, there’s a loving motive. . .
I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting… for godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
Sin, repentance, confession, forgiveness, and receiving the Holy Spirit are mentioned often as a part of salvation in the New Testament. We can’t experience the mercy of forgiveness and the joy of being filled with the Spirit without confession and repentance from sin.
If preaching doesn’t include conviction that leads to godly grief, new believers may confess a faith in Jesus while still living in ungodliness. Recently, I heard a very popular singer say from the stage. . .
I’m a Christian. I still cuss like a sailor, smoke a little smoke, and drink a little drink, but I believe God can change me and God can heal.
Grace be upon this singer, we all struggle, and God does change us.
But if the gospel we preach focuses on the power of God without a conviction of our need for repentance, a message that doesn’t produce a godly sorrow for our sins, have we undermined the power of God?
As Peter said, “Repent and receive the gift of the Spirit!”