1. Sin and the Christian (4) Forgiveness and Repentance

2. Forgiveness Why we need forgiveness Sin affects our relationship with God – Isa. 59:2, Gen. 3:17, 24 The consequences – Rom. 6:23, 2 Thess. 1:8-9 Other factors – relationships, guilt, loss of joy and hope, etc.

3. Forgiveness What has God done? He provided the way of reconciliation – John 3:16, Rom. 5:8, Eph. 2:1-10 The way out of death – Romans 6:23 He gives us directions in His word to restore relationships, deal with sin, etc.

4. Forgiveness What must I do? I must obey Heb. 5:9, 1 Pet. 1:22 The blood of Jesus and my forgiveness– Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:14 Obey the gospel – Acts 22:16 As a child of God – Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9

5. Forgiveness I must forgive as He forgives me Strongly emphasized in scripture Matthew 6:14-15 Ephesians 4:32 James 2:13 How much? Matt. 18:21-22

6. Repentance What is repentance? It is NOT: – saying “I’m sorry” – simply ceasing from an action – remorse for wrong doing – confession of sins – being convicted that you are wrong

7. Repentance What is repentance? English dictionary – contrition or regret, deep sorrow or contrition of wrongdoing Repentance is- –To change one’s mind. It is a changed mind that leads to a changed life

8. Repentance We need repentance! Matthew 3:2, 4:17 Jesus taught it Matthew 9:13, Luke 15:7 Necessary to obey the gospel – Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30-31 Necessary as a Christian when you sin Acts 8:22

9. Repentance We need repentance! Unless you repent Luke 13:3, 5 5 of 7 churches of Asia told to repent Rev. 2:5, 16, 21-22, 3:3, 3:19 God is longsuffering so that we will come to repentance 2 Pet. 3:9

10. Repentance Bear fruit worthy of repentance Matthew 3:8 The message of the Bible is about changed lives – meaning we have repented ( cf. Rom. 6:1-6, 2 Cor. 5:17, 1 John 3:9, etc.)

11. Repentance The process begins with a realization that one needs to change Luke 15:17 – the prodigal son Acts 9:6 (22:16) – Paul David after his sin and exposure ( cf. Psalm 51, etc.)