Repentance

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4

What does it mean to repent? Repent is an unpopular word in this ‘I-did-it-my-way’ world. Nevertheless, it is a biblical concept.

Repentance is the translation of at least two Hebrew words and as many Greek words. The underlying idea includes a constructive sorrow for behavior out of God’s will, and a turning to a new direction.

Just as it is His kindness that drew you to God, you now stand totally accepted in His righteousness.

“... and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philip 3:9

Though totally accepted by God, unconfessed sin will bring God’s discipline, will make you unhappy, decrease your effectiveness, hurt others, bring loss of reward in heaven, and conviction from the Spirit of God.

What a miserable way to live!

God’s way out: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Who will you pray for today?
Yourself? Someone who needs the relief of God’s forgiveness?