Repentance

• Repentance of sin opens the way for a relationship with God (Luke 3: 7-8)-Luke 3:7 (ESV) He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Luke 3:8 (ESV) Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

When we repent, we are opening the door of our hearts to allow God to come in and live within us.  When we fore sake sin, it shows that we truly love God.  And just because we come from a long line of Godly ancestors, that doesn't exclude us from our obligations.  We too must live a life in holiness before God.  We must pick up our cross and carry each one of us, his/her own burdens.  Yes, the LORD loves and blesses His Children up to a thousand generations, however, we too must care to practice what we preach.  If we do not care to live for God, He is able to raise up another in our stead to fulfill His calling.  The LORD is seeking people who will love Him, fear Him, and live for Him.

• Unless we repent of our sins, we will perish (Luke 13: 3-5)-Luke 13:3 (ESV) No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.  Luke 13:4 (ESV) Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?  Luke 13:5 (ESV) No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

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Repentance is necessary for believers in that in order for a Christian to live a full life before God, and fully demonstrate or display his/her true respect for God, it is essential that one put his/her selfish desires aside, and live a life that honors and pleases God.  When we repent, our lifespan is increased.  Living a sinful life shortens your life, because sin begets illness, and/or death.  It's not just a matter of saying "I'm sorry for my sin", but rather "I'll show you how sorry I am by living for you".  Actions speak louder than words, much like we must show one another that we truly love one another through our actions.  There isn't a better way to show someone that you love them.  You show them by respecting them.

• Angels rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15: 7)-Luke 15:7 (ESV) Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

When a sinner repents, there's a supernatural change taking place from within the heart and the mind of the believer.  This change means all the difference between their soul perishing in hell, or living eternity  with Christ in heaven.  This is why the angels rejoice.  That is one less soul perishing and having to be damned for all eternity in the fire pits of hell.  Yes, of course there is joy over those of us who remain saved.  But, there's a much greater joy for the newcomer!  A cause for celebration indeed!

• Forgive those who repent of wrongs done to you (Luke 17: 4)-Luke 17:4 (ESV) and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

The LORD wants His Children to forgive anyone who does wrong to Us every time.  The reason this is so important is because we do no good to ourselves in holding grudges.  When we hold grudges, we are keeping hatred in our hearts, and hatred is the same in God's eyes as murder.  This is like a deadly poison that stays in your system; your heart, and kills you slowly over time both spiritually and physically.  If we want God to forgive our sin, we too must be able to forgive others who sin against us.  It's so easy to hold hatred and grudges,  but, it takes a truly wise and strong person to forgive again and again.  Just like He forgives us.  We are truly Children of God when we act like Christ.
 

• Repentance is essential for the Holy Spirit to work (Acts 2: 38)-Acts 2:38 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Just like man cannot trust another for example with their business, unless they are sure that person is qualified and prepared to handle their obligations, the LORD needs His Children to be fully committed to living a holy life before Him.  The Holy Spirit is a gentleman.  He will not go somewhere He is not wanted.  The Holy Spirit will work with the believer only after he/she is seriously committed to serving Christ, and fore sake his/her sin.
 

• God can use difficulties to encourage us to repent (2 Corinthians 7: 9-10)-2 Corinthians 7:9 (ESV) As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.  2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV) For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

The pain and suffering we go through in life can be used by God to bring us to a place where we repent of any and all sin resulting in the grief we go through.  When we feel a godly grief, we start to regret making whatever choices we made to bring us to that place of suffering.  This is a good thing because we can learn very important lessons from the pain.  When we realize that even though we have suffered through these things, but, still have life and an opportunity to grow, we are learning, and becoming stronger through our faith in Christ who sees us through all difficulties.  We then learn so that we won't continue to do the things that we once did, therefore, we become more like Christ.    The world doesn't see it this way.  Many times they are not forgiving or seek to get revenge, and kill themselves and/or others.  This is very damaging both spiritually and physically.  There's no chance for salvation or growth beyond the grave.  Whatever state a person dies in, that's the state they must face Our Creator with.  

• God would like everyone to repent and believe (2 Peter 3: 9)-2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Many believe that the LORD's second coming is taking too long, however, the LORD is waiting and giving an opportunity for more people/souls to be saved.  He simply does not want to come suddenly without saving every soul that was meant to be saved.  Once every soul comes to a place of repentance, He will command His angel to sound the trumpet.  Once that trumpet sounds, it is done.  There will be no more opportunity to participate in the rapture for those believers who are both dead and alive alike.  This is why we must repent of all sin.  So that we will go up in the rapture.

I hope this study is helpful for you all to understand the importance of repentance.  May God continue to bless you and prepare you for that special day!  Amen!