Post by James Blankenship on Apr 16, 2012 15:09:47 GMT -5
First, let's take a look at what the definition of repentance is:
repentance
[ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns] Example Sentences
re·pent·ance
[ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns] Show IPA
noun
1.
deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like.
2.
regret for any past action.
Origin:
1300–50; Middle English repentaunce < Old French repentance. See repent1 , -ance
Ok, Deep sorrow.
Now, let's take a look at what the Bible says about what it means to repent:
1 Kings 8:47
"if they have a change of heart"
(This clearly indicates that a choice has to be made)
2 Chronicles 32:26
Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD’s wrath did not come on them during the days of Hezekiah.
(God's wrath shall not fall on those who repent.)
Job 42:6
Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
(despising ones self, because of realizing their inadequacy)
Isaiah 59:20
“The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD.
(The Lord shall come to those who repent)
Jeremiah 15:19
Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
(Restoration of God's fellowship & presence)
Jeremiah 18:8
and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.
(God will "stay" judgement)
Jeremiah 31:19
After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
(Repentance leads to understanding)
Ezekiel 14:6
“Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!
(Prevention of God's judgement)
Ezekiel 18:30
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.
(As Above)
I have chosen examples from the Old Testament, because they are the best examples of the kind of attitude that one should have when they DO repent!
Avoiding God's Judgement
Restoration of fellowship with God
Promise of God's presence
Realizing one's inadequacy before a perfect God!
This is what repentance is all about-denial of self, & embracing God's truth.
Now many people think that to "repent" simply means to say to God-"I'm sorry I disobeyed you God. I'll try not to do this sin again."
NO! NO! NO!
It is NOT about you TRYING to do ANYTHING-because you won't be able to!
It is about freely admitting to God that you CAN'T stop sinning.
It is about freely admitting to God, that you CAN'T do anything to Earn His favor!
It is about freely admitting to God, that you need Him, & can't do anything without Him!
It is about total self denial, & confessing to God that He & He alone is perfect, & you are NOT!
And this is why so many atheists/non-believers have such a hard time understanding this-because their PRIDE stands in their way!
They don't WANT to admit that they need anything or are imperfect in any way.
And what does their pride do to them?
Scripture is very clear about this:
Psalm 10:4 (New International Version)
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Psalm 73:6 (New International Version)
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
Proverbs 11:2 (New International Version)
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 (New International Version)
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 14:3 (New International Version)
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 16:18 (New International Version)
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
And on, & on, & on...........................
Repentance is confessing to God that "I am nothing-you are everything!"
And remembering that God sees your heart-He DOES know if you are lying or not.
If you are-it is NOT repentance.
Nothing LESS than this is repenting, (repentance)
James
repentance
[ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns] Example Sentences
re·pent·ance
[ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns] Show IPA
noun
1.
deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like.
2.
regret for any past action.
Origin:
1300–50; Middle English repentaunce < Old French repentance. See repent1 , -ance
Ok, Deep sorrow.
Now, let's take a look at what the Bible says about what it means to repent:
1 Kings 8:47
"if they have a change of heart"
(This clearly indicates that a choice has to be made)
2 Chronicles 32:26
Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD’s wrath did not come on them during the days of Hezekiah.
(God's wrath shall not fall on those who repent.)
Job 42:6
Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
(despising ones self, because of realizing their inadequacy)
Isaiah 59:20
“The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD.
(The Lord shall come to those who repent)
Jeremiah 15:19
Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
(Restoration of God's fellowship & presence)
Jeremiah 18:8
and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.
(God will "stay" judgement)
Jeremiah 31:19
After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
(Repentance leads to understanding)
Ezekiel 14:6
“Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!
(Prevention of God's judgement)
Ezekiel 18:30
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.
(As Above)
I have chosen examples from the Old Testament, because they are the best examples of the kind of attitude that one should have when they DO repent!
Avoiding God's Judgement
Restoration of fellowship with God
Promise of God's presence
Realizing one's inadequacy before a perfect God!
This is what repentance is all about-denial of self, & embracing God's truth.
Now many people think that to "repent" simply means to say to God-"I'm sorry I disobeyed you God. I'll try not to do this sin again."
NO! NO! NO!
It is NOT about you TRYING to do ANYTHING-because you won't be able to!
It is about freely admitting to God that you CAN'T stop sinning.
It is about freely admitting to God, that you CAN'T do anything to Earn His favor!
It is about freely admitting to God, that you need Him, & can't do anything without Him!
It is about total self denial, & confessing to God that He & He alone is perfect, & you are NOT!
And this is why so many atheists/non-believers have such a hard time understanding this-because their PRIDE stands in their way!
They don't WANT to admit that they need anything or are imperfect in any way.
And what does their pride do to them?
Scripture is very clear about this:
Psalm 10:4 (New International Version)
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Psalm 73:6 (New International Version)
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
Proverbs 11:2 (New International Version)
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 (New International Version)
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 14:3 (New International Version)
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 16:18 (New International Version)
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
And on, & on, & on...........................
Repentance is confessing to God that "I am nothing-you are everything!"
And remembering that God sees your heart-He DOES know if you are lying or not.
If you are-it is NOT repentance.
Nothing LESS than this is repenting, (repentance)
James
