CARING FOR GOD'S CREATION

Psalm 51:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10

Introduction

Repentance is a major theme of the Bible and a requirement for sinful humans to approach the holy God. But the question is; Have I completely repented?

Repent as a military command. You hear a military commander saying; “Platoon repent!”; they turn 180° and move on to a new direction.

The Greek word (μετανοέω - metanoeō ) translated as "repentance" means ‘to change one's way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regards to sin and righteousness".

Repentance is looking at something that you did in the past, recognizing that it was sinful—that it broke God’s good and beneficial Word—and concluding that you need to change for the best.

The call to repentance is a request of love from God to humanity to return to His dependence.

"Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall." Ezekiel 18:30 (NIV)

"Come, let us return to the LORD..." Hosea 6:1 (HCSB)

Since "the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot." Romans 8:7 (ESV), God leads us to understand the need for repentance in "the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience" (Romans 2:4). This is the starting point of a commitment to a new way of living and to the transformation of the human heart and mind from carnal to spiritual (Acts 3:19; Romans 12:2).

Repentance is indeed the secured entry to the atmosphere of divinity for God's forgiveness and salvation. 

The Bible makes it clear that repentance is significantly a personal, life-changing decision that leads to baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-39). 

What is NOT Repentance

Sometimes we mistake certain acts to mean complete repentance. Let us consider three (3)

1. Repentance is not Emotion. 

Emotion is a strong feeling deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationship with others. It is distinguished from reasoning - for a moment due to some outcome [maybe you're caught in a wrong act], you begin to feel sorry. This alone is not complete in the transformation of the mind. (Matthew 14:9-10).

2. Repentance is not Penance/Self-Condemnation. 

Penance is some punishment inflicted on oneself as an outward expression of wrongdoing. It does not necessarily involve a change of mind or transformed life. Self-condemnation only opens wounds of guilt and creates despair. This is where one hates the self for a wrong done. For instance, one can starve her/himself for days because of wrongdoing. A Buddhist can crawl on his knees over stones or broken bottles and sit in the sun due to wrong done with the aim of outwardly showing remorse. This is also not repentance.

3. Repentance is not remorse. 

Remorse is deep regret for wrongdoing. It is sometimes drawn on the mere appearance of the person. In fact, Judas was remorseful for betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5). Remorse is involved in the stages of repentance - that is, it is a means to an end [repentance] but not end in itself. This is also not repentance.

Precious one, have you really repented or you have only experienced a 'placebo' to assume your salvation in Christ Jesus. Jesus is calling you to true repentance.

Steps to True Repentance

Let us consider the characteristic features of repentance;

i. Understanding of the seriousness of sin. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3) 

ii. A deep desire for forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-3; Hebrews 9:14)

iii. A determined commitment to change behaviour and thoughts to step out and stop sinning. (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:19-20).

The Apostle Paul emphasized that “godly sorrow brings repentance" which results in "salvation and leaves no regret". He contrasts with the "worldly sorrow” which "brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Further reading into verse 11, he highlights what this godly sorrow produces in the repented soul.

Jesus calls us to repentance “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 (NIV), which leads to a total change in direction—turning from the natural pursuit of sinful human values to obedience and dependence on God. Jesus used events (lost and found sheep) of His time to show God's hearty desire to save the lost (Luke 15:4-7). With the lost coin scenario, Jesus, the Christ explains the unceasing search  (Luke 15:8) of sinners to repentance and the joy that fills heaven when they are found (Luke 15:9-10). 

Conclusion

Apostle Paul sums up our message of repentance by recounting his life before he met Christ, "though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent", but the mercy and the grace of our Lord overflowed for him which he humbly accepted into repentance. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Beloved, no matter how worse you may see yourself in sin, God's mercy is available to you. Who knows, maybe God is counting on your repentance so that in you (sinner) "Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

The opportunity is available today, receive the message of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, repent and be a vessel for Christ's usage today till the rest of your life. Amen!

Shalom aleichem...