Repent
Yesterday AnTuan asked a question about repentance. I’ve noticed in my occupation as a public affairs specialist that a question asked by one is often a question asked for many. So, I’ve decided to share the answer in today’s meditation.
As we discussed yesterday morning, the most common translation of "repent" is "turn" or "return." In Christian terms, repentance means "to turn from evil, and to turn to the good." If one turns away from God, that is pure sin at work. In the Bible three times Ezekiel included God's call to the people of Israel: 1) "Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!" 2) "Repent! Turn away from all your offenses", and 3) "Turn! Turn from your evil ways". Such a call was characteristic of the prophets.
Prophets called on the people to repent a lot!
Repentance is part of confession. Confession of sins is both commanded and frequently spoke of also. When you and I are guilty of various sins, we must confess in what way we have sinned, in order to receive atonement and forgiveness. Thus, confession belongs to repentance and is needed for divine forgiveness. A great prophecy/promise is given in the Book of Isaiah: "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,"
The Book of Isaiah is deep brothers. I highly recommend reading it.
In the New Testament, the key term for repentance is metanoia - It has two usual senses: a "change of mind" and "regret/remorse." In both books of Mark and Matthew Jesus began his public proclamation with the call "Repent." In addition, Paul is said to have preached to both Jews and Gentiles/Greeks to "turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."
Here the bottom line:
True repentance leads a person to say, "I have sinned" and prove it with a 180-degree change of their direction. For me, I had to do just that! I struggled immensely with addiction to pornography. I allowed it to tear away at my marriage, separating me from my wife. I prayed for forgiveness, asking for relief from my bondage. But, it was not until I truly repented my sin and committed to turning away from porn, that Christ said, "Yes Palmer, it’s done."
There are no magic words, only a commitment to a sincere prayer of sorrowfulness and humility, and action to turn away that allows the spirit of Christ to enter our lives and cast out the evil temptations of sinful behavior. Yes, repentance requires true brokenness.
Remember this, repentance is not asking the Lord for forgiveness with the intent to sin again. On the contrary...
Repentance is an honest, and regretful acknowledgment of sin with a commitment to a complete change of attitude (mind) and behavior (actions).
Repentance leads us to cultivate godliness while eradicating habits that lead to sin.
Here’s a Prayer for Repentance
Let us pray -
O Heavenly Savior I come to you broken, filled with shame and humility. I have sinned in clear sight of your caring eyes. Turning my back to You I choose to follow evil instead of your cup of overflowing unconditional love. A price must be paid for my transgression before forgiveness can be granted. As I kneel and await my just punishment, my Heavenly Father whispers to me, “I love you so much, remember I have already sent My only Son to suffer the pains of your transgressions and die doing so, so that you can be forgiven solely by repenting and turning away from evil and drinking from the cup of His covenant. He rose from death so that in faith in him you too will be saved from death and welcomed into Heaven for an everlasting life of peace.
Heavenly Father, I am in awe of your mercy, and commit my sin to your hands, for casting into the sea of Your forgetfulness, and I earnestly turn away from my transgression and fear no temptation to ever again take my soul from your care. I choose to trust in the Lord who casts down His multitudes of Mercies upon me!
The one and only true God is my Father. His most Holy Spirit is my redeemer. And His Son Jesus is my Savior!
I repent!
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Scripture
Matthew 4:17
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
As we discussed yesterday morning, the most common translation of "repent" is "turn" or "return." In Christian terms, repentance means "to turn from evil, and to turn to the good." If one turns away from God, that is pure sin at work. In the Bible three times Ezekiel included God's call to the people of Israel: 1) "Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!" 2) "Repent! Turn away from all your offenses", and 3) "Turn! Turn from your evil ways". Such a call was characteristic of the prophets.
Prophets called on the people to repent a lot!
Repentance is part of confession. Confession of sins is both commanded and frequently spoke of also. When you and I are guilty of various sins, we must confess in what way we have sinned, in order to receive atonement and forgiveness. Thus, confession belongs to repentance and is needed for divine forgiveness. A great prophecy/promise is given in the Book of Isaiah: "The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,"
The Book of Isaiah is deep brothers. I highly recommend reading it.
In the New Testament, the key term for repentance is metanoia - It has two usual senses: a "change of mind" and "regret/remorse." In both books of Mark and Matthew Jesus began his public proclamation with the call "Repent." In addition, Paul is said to have preached to both Jews and Gentiles/Greeks to "turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."
Here the bottom line:
True repentance leads a person to say, "I have sinned" and prove it with a 180-degree change of their direction. For me, I had to do just that! I struggled immensely with addiction to pornography. I allowed it to tear away at my marriage, separating me from my wife. I prayed for forgiveness, asking for relief from my bondage. But, it was not until I truly repented my sin and committed to turning away from porn, that Christ said, "Yes Palmer, it’s done."
There are no magic words, only a commitment to a sincere prayer of sorrowfulness and humility, and action to turn away that allows the spirit of Christ to enter our lives and cast out the evil temptations of sinful behavior. Yes, repentance requires true brokenness.
Remember this, repentance is not asking the Lord for forgiveness with the intent to sin again. On the contrary...
Repentance is an honest, and regretful acknowledgment of sin with a commitment to a complete change of attitude (mind) and behavior (actions).
Repentance leads us to cultivate godliness while eradicating habits that lead to sin.
Here’s a Prayer for Repentance
Let us pray -
O Heavenly Savior I come to you broken, filled with shame and humility. I have sinned in clear sight of your caring eyes. Turning my back to You I choose to follow evil instead of your cup of overflowing unconditional love. A price must be paid for my transgression before forgiveness can be granted. As I kneel and await my just punishment, my Heavenly Father whispers to me, “I love you so much, remember I have already sent My only Son to suffer the pains of your transgressions and die doing so, so that you can be forgiven solely by repenting and turning away from evil and drinking from the cup of His covenant. He rose from death so that in faith in him you too will be saved from death and welcomed into Heaven for an everlasting life of peace.
Heavenly Father, I am in awe of your mercy, and commit my sin to your hands, for casting into the sea of Your forgetfulness, and I earnestly turn away from my transgression and fear no temptation to ever again take my soul from your care. I choose to trust in the Lord who casts down His multitudes of Mercies upon me!
The one and only true God is my Father. His most Holy Spirit is my redeemer. And His Son Jesus is my Savior!
I repent!
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Scripture
Matthew 4:17
From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
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