The Nature Of True Repentance

Introduction Repentance is difficult because it requires radical change – Ezekiel 18:20-32 The hardest of God’s commands Repentance challenges the WILL of man – often rebellious Consider King Saul – 1 Samuel 15:23 Salvation demands repentance – Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30 God wants all men to be saved – 2 Peter 3:9 Therefore, we need to understand the nature of TRUE repentance Ezek. 18:20-32 - READ 1 Sam. 15:13-14 - And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 1 Sam. 15:22-23 - And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. Lk. 13:3-5 -22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams 23 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 2 Pet. 3:9 - But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Repentance Defined Two Greek words are translated “Repent” Metaneo - “to have another mind” - Acts 2:38, 17:30 A change of mind followed by a change of conduct Metamellomai - “to be careful or concerned with” Matthew 27:3; 2 Corinthians 7:8 Suggests regret Young’s Analytical Concordance Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Matt. 27:3 - When Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 2 Cor. 7:8 - For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

Repentance Defined “The change of the mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and misdeeds, and have determined to enter upon a better course of life, so that it embraces both recognition of sin and sorrow for it and hearty amendment, the tokens and effects of which are good deeds...” - Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon, pg. 406

Understanding the meaning A mental act of the mind - to determine to stop sinning Matthew 21:28-29 It is a resolution or a determination of mind to leave sinful living - Luke 15:11-19 One repents when they cease sinning It is a decision to “quit your sinfulness” The course of life is changed for the better Matt. 21:28-29 - But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. Lk. 15:11-19 - And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

Understanding The Meaning Repentance is NOT just… Sorrow - shedding tears on the front pew Regret - Many regret they were caught in sin-but do not repent Reformation - Godly sorrow produces repentance-repentance produces the change or reform of life! - 2 Corinthians 7:10 Fear - Fear does not keep the commandments - Eccl. 12:13; Jas. 2:19 Praying - Prayer is of no avail if one is not penitent - Acts 8:22 James 4:3; Proverbs 28:9 Conviction - Individuals with conviction were commanded to repent - Acts 2:38 What Is It Then? It Involves All of These! It Is All of These! 2 Cor. 7:8-11 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Cor. 2:4 - For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. Eccl. 12:13 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. Jas. 2:17-19 - Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Jas. 4:3 - Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Prov. 28:9 - He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination. Acts 2:37-38 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart (cut to the heart), and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE EVIDENT TO OTHERS WHAT Repentance requires Recognition - acknowledging one’s sin Remorse - regret, grief and sorrow for one’s sin Resolve - a change of mind regarding one’s life Reformation - a change for the better in manner of life Restitution - making amends where possible Recognition - acknowledging one’s sin Remorse - regret, grief and sorrow for one’s sin Resolve - a change of mind regarding one’s life Reformation - a change for the better in manner of life Restitution - making amends where possible THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE EVIDENT TO OTHERS

Recognition Repentance Requires This is the fist step UNTO repentance Luke 15:17; Psalms 51:1-4; Jeremiah 3:13, 14 Acts 2:37, 38; James 4:17 The sinner cannot repent of sin they refuse to acknowledge David acknowledged His sin - 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalms 51:1-4 God commands repentance - Acts 17:30, 31 Repentance Requires Lk. 15:17 - And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. Psa. 51:1-4 - Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Jer. 3:13-14 - Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: Acts 2:37-38 -Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Jas. 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin 2 Sam. 12:13 - And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Psa. 51:1-4 - See above Acts 17:30-31 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead

Remorse Repentance Requires This is regret, grief and sorrow for sin Not in and of itself repentance SORROW is necessary TO repentance “9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” - 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Repentance Requires 2 Cor. 7:8-12, NKJV - 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

Remorse Restitution Repentance Requires Recognition This does not always lead to repentance “3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ And they said, ‘What is that to us? You see to it!’ 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself” - Matthew 27:3-5 NKJV Repentance Requires Three of the five requirements are seen in this verse - RECOGNITION, REMORSE, RESTITUTION, but no RESOLVE or RFORMATION of Life. Rather that making RESOLVE to REFORM his life for the better, he ended his live by hanging himself. Recognition - acknowledging one’s sin Remorse - regret, grief and sorrow for one’s sin Resolve - a change of mind regarding one’s life Reformation - a change for the better in manner of life Restitution - making amends where possible Recognition

Resolve Repentance Requires Involves the change of the sinner’s will (mind) This is the heart of true repentance Proverbs 28:13; Psalms 32:3-5; 1 Peter 4:1-2 Be humble, pray, seek God and turn away from sin 2 Chronicles 7:14 Get a new heart Ezekiel 18:31 Be “TRANSFORMED” by renewing the mind Romans 12:1-2 Repentance Requires Prov. 28:13 - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Psa. 32:2-5 - When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. 1 Pet. 4:1-2 - Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 2 Chron. 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Ezek. 18:31 - Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Rom. 12:1-2 - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Metamorphous

Reformation Repentance Requires A Change In Life Style - Luke 15:17-20 “And when he came to himself, he said…I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee…And he arose, and came to his father” Repentance Requires Lk. 15:17-20 - And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Reformation Repentance Requires A Change In Life Style - Matthew 21:28-29 “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went” Repentance Requires Matthew 21:28-31 - 28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Reformation Repentance Requires A Change In Life Style - Ezekiel 18:21-22 “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live” Repentance Requires Ezek18:21-22 - But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

If there is no TURNING, then no TRUE repentance!! Reformation A Change In Life Style - Ezekiel 18:27-28 “Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die” Repentance Requires Ezek. 18:27-28 - Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. If there is no TURNING, then no TRUE repentance!!

Restitution Repentance Requires Making amends where possible Thieves Bring fruit worthy of repentance Matthew 3:7-9; Luke 3:8 Zacchaeus willing to do this Luke 19:8 The Philippian Jailer Act 16:33 Thieves Liars Slanderers Gossipers An adulterous marriage Murderers Repentance Requires Matt. 3:7-9 - But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. LK. 3:8 - Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Lk. 19:8 - And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Acts 16:33 - And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

RECOGNITION - acknowledging one’s sin REMORSE - regret, grief and sorrow for one’s sin RESOLVE - a change of mind regarding one’s life REFORMATION - a change for the better RESTITUTION - making amends where possible Repentance Requires REVIEW

Have You Truly Repented?! Requires radical change - Ezekiel 18:20-32 Evident to others in the world - 1 Peter 4:3-6 Is the hardest of God’s commands It involves man’s will Is essential for salvation - Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30 Is God’s desire of all men - 2 Peter 3:9 Repentance Ezek. 18:20-32 - READ 1 Pet. 4:3-6 - For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Lk. 13:3-5 - 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 2 Pet. 3:9 - But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Have You Truly Repented?!

“…what shall we do?” Acts 2:37 Alien sinners must… Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17 Believe – John 8:24 Repent – Acts 17:30 Confess Christ – Matthew 10:34 Be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38 An erring child of God must… Repent and Pray for Forgiveness – 1 John 1:7-9 Christians must be “faithful unto death” Revelation 2:10 “…what shall we do?” Acts 2:37 Acts 2:36-37 - 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Jn. 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Acts 17:30-31 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Matt. 10:34 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 1 Jn. 1:7-9 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.