Repentance
What part does it play in my relationship with God?
Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Jesus in the book of Revelation
Ever feel the need to change your life or some particular thing about your life that is causing you grief? Repentance is a principle in the bible, which deals with change. The word for repentance when used by Jesus is ‘to change direction or way of thinking.’ It involves our minds and our actions. When applied toward God, if we repent (change our minds about Him) and see Jesus for who he is–the Savior, we change by becoming His follower. Of course, any change requires our choice or willingness to change.
This change affects all areas of our lives. It involves the willingness to repent, to change from sin, to following God’s teachings. The bible is God’s word to us and contains all we need to be able to change, though to actually change usually takes time, right?
The question to ask ourselves is whether we are willing to surrender to change. Do we want a total way of life change or are we looking for limited change? The answer to this is in where you are at this point in your life. Are you already a Christian? If so, the change may involve some particular area or thing. If it is a stubborn sin, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit is our helper (John 14:16-17). The Spirit living in each Christian is the agent for change as we repent in each area of disobedience and begin to obey (John 14:26).
For those of us who are not a Christian we may consider the requirement to change so radically that Jesus calls it being born again. What a total change-to be born again! Whatever does He mean by this, to be born again? In the gospel of John (3:1-21), a priest came to Jesus by night, telling him he knew Jesus was from God. Jesus cut to the heart of the matter and told this priest he must be born again or he would not see the kingdom of God. Jesus gave him and he gives us a choice.
Now, change involves choices and consequences-action = reaction. Change (action) for good-good reaction. Where are you in all of this? Are you wanting to change your life? If so, in what manner?
If you will prayerfully go to God, in the name of Jesus, and ask Him to show you in His word how to change-He will hear and answer you. Look for Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels-Matthew; Mark; Luke; and John. Jesus tells us if we try His words (John 7:17*), we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:31-32*)
John 7:17 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."