Dear sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus, part of a growing repentance remnant globally,
His Word could not be more clear. Why, then are we usually not taught the truth about God's Gift of Repentance in our churches? Here are just a few of His Scriptures, His Holy Eternal Words:
Jesus' words in Mark 1:15 come in the form of an urgent command: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Not only does Christ come to announce the soon-coming Kingdom of God, but also to prepare us for our spiritual responsibilities now and in the Kingdom.
Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)
Notice that following repentance is the remission of sins, which baptism signifies, being a symbolic dying to sin and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1-12). This is why on Pentecost, AD 31, Peter instructs the assembled crowd, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38).
Likewise, Paul teaches the men of Athens:
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. " (Acts 17:30-31)
Repentance is a prerequisite to belief. What is repentance? Its basic meaning is "to change one's mind, turning that new insight into a change of character." Once a person hears the gospel and is convicted that his way of life is wrong, he must change his present behavior and "bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8).
Repentance is not merely feeling sorry or remorseful, but being so stricken in one's heart--- convicted by the conscience that God plants in us and the Holy Spirit-- that one begins to live according to God's standards - according to God's Holy Eternal Word.
Remorse without a corresponding change in conduct is not repentance! A true Christ-ian goes beyond occasional remorse to a free will decision to change 180 degrees from this world's ways to the Way, Truth and Life in Jesus' Kingdom.
That Christ-ian now is eager and joyful to use this loving Gift of Repentance to be liberated from old sin patterns. That Christ-ian is now eager to use this loving Gift of Repentance to cleanse regularly with the Holy Spirit, to become more like Christ---
" Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
" Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1: 13-16
The fruits of repentance are visible actions - often called "works" - that show that a person has indeed changed. When John the Baptist preached repentance to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry, his audience asked him what they should do to repent. He answers: Clothe the naked, feed the hungry, do not steal, do not use one's authority to oppress, do not lie or accuse falsely, and be content with one's wages (Luke 3:10-14). In general, these actions are either obeying God's laws or showing love for one's neighbor.
Jesus says, "If you want to enter into [eternal] life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17). Later, when requested to name the greatest commandments, Jesus answers, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart. . . .' And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:36-40).
When we put all these things together, bearing fruits worthy of repentance is simply pointing towards our Lord, bringing His Word into action, witnessing, "preaching" to others, having Jesus' FULL JOY remain in us (John 15:11), living as God desires for every human being ! WOW!
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Do you see God's Gift of repentance as vital in our personal lives? In our nations? If so, you're part of the repentance remnant, purifying to be ready for the soon-coming Bridegroom.
Encouraging repentance is NDR's sole purpose for ministry. No church or foundation supports us; only saints like you. Would you please pray to see if the Lord would have you place us on your daily prayer list, and then seed into this one- of- a- kind ministry? In appreciation for your support I'll send you our latest repentance book with our prayer that it will be a blessing to you.
Thank you ! He will bless you!
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Daly
National Day of Repentance
Password 1221
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Is it in your heart to share repentance with others? This eleven minute video on our NDR You Tube channel is one way to do that: https://youtu.be/0z4gf4TQejQ
