The Relationship Between Regeneration and Repentance Part 3

The Relationship Between Regeneration and Repentance Part 3

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

Last week’s blog gave us a brief biblical definition of repentance: “a change of mind that results in a change of how we move in life.” And from our opening text, our Lord Jesus associates repentance with entering the kingdom of God and receiving the kind forgiveness which is forever. Christ our Lord and God issued calls to repentance in the beginning of His ministry. The Word of God consistently reinforced the fact that our Lord persistently preached messages of repentance, and thereby made repentance a pivotal response to the gospel.

Luke 5:32 — I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 24:46–47 — And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved 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 among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

John 8:11 — She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (Jesus calls her to repentance.)

Consequently, calls to repent in preaching serve as an invitation both to recognize sin and to welcome the gift of salvation.

Now it is important to note that repentance and faith operate together. Faith forwards a commitment and conviction towards Christ for one’s forgiveness. Conversely, repentance is proof and opens the head and heart to that forgiveness.

According to the Scriptures, our Savior Jesus showed that repentance goes along with entrance into the kingdom of God and is verification of a changed life.

Repentance is not work we do to merit salvation, because no one can repent and come to God without a good and gracious God grabbing hold of that person to Himself.

John 6:44 — No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Acts 5:31 — Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is again the work of the hand of God pulling us and positioning our head and hearts to experience the power to change by HIS grace.

While repentance is not a work that nets salvation, repentance unto salvation displays a dividend of work. It is difficult to genuinely change your mind without changing your movements (your conduct) in some way.

In the Word of God, repentance results in a change of Mind (what you think about Christ), Heart (adoration and acceptance of Christ), and Will (you want what Christ wants as opposed to your own wants).

Repentance will reward you with the change in your life that the world can see and that you can absolutely believe in.

Not a sermon, just some thoughts.
FtGG