Throughout Christianity there have been many who allow various things or people to hinder their race of life, but especially their running with Jesus Christ as their Savior. Hebrews 12:1 tells us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. At first glance, this verse encourages getting rid of everything that would keep one from running a race for God, but the depth of meaning can be easily overlooked if not studied. The word weight in this verse is defined as a burden, hindrance, or mass protruding from a surface. This explains that the weights keeping one from running properly can be external or internal. For example, internal weights could be excuses, attitudes, a lack of motivation or willpower, a lack of self-worth, a lack of mental stability, guilt, deception, worries, or fear to name a few. These internal weights could be defined as things birthed from within creating a mass that others may or may not see within one’s life. When a Christian allows these internal weights to make them stand still or go backward, they are forfeiting the things God has for them and possibly their entire race. God’s people must keep a guard over their hearts from the weights and sins that would hinder a relationship with God (Proverbs 4:23). Speaking the Word of God over these internal weights will help lay them aside and no longer give voice to these hindrances (Proverbs 4:24-27). Jesus said, pay attention to yourselves and do not let your hearts be overtaken by weights and stay alert at all times to stay strong in the things of God (Luke 21:34-36). No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person, so everyone must receive the Spirit of God and not the world’s spirit to discern where the thoughts originate (1 Corinthians 2:11-12). The goal of weights and sins is to hinder every Christian who does not lay them aside. The spiritual enemies of one’s faith ensure there are plenty of weights coming from the external but also influenced to be birthed as internal. Using the Word of God regarding any of the internal weights is the best method to cut the strings that would keep the weights from being laid aside. Here are some Bible verses for each of the mentioned weights to help overcome them and run the race. Excuses (Luke 14:18-20; Exodus 4:10-14; Luke 9:59-62; Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 1:37), attitudes/emotions (James 1:2-18; Philippians 4:6-8; Proverbs 29:11; Galatians 5:16-24; James 1:19-20), lack of motivation/willpower (Galatians 6:9; Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Romans 12:11; Isaiah 40:28-31), lack of self-worth (Hebrews 13:5; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 5:8; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:7), lack of mental stability (2 Corinthians 10:5; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:13; James 1:8; Philippians 4:4-13), guilt (Romans 8:1; Romans 5:1; Luke 15:7; Psalm 103:1-12; Hebrews 9:14), deception (Colossians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Proverbs 28:26; James 1:26; Titus 1:9), worries (John 14:1; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 11:1), and fear (2 Timothy 1:7; Matthew 10:28; Isaiah 41:10; 1 John 4:18; Joshua 1:9). This list is not exhaustive but can be a resource to start laying aside the internal weights that hinder a person from running their race for God. May Christians everywhere lay aside these weights and obtain victory through Jesus Christ. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
According to the Bible, the current time frame is called the last days (2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18). Some people are deeply concerned about elections, the economy, what the future holds for America, what the future looks like for the world, or many other pressing topics. While these are very important topics and should be given thought for each person to do what they can to make the necessary changes, many spiritual aspects are not given much thought at all. The first spiritual aspect should be the condition of a personal walk with God. Without a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ no one can enter God’s kingdom here or for eternity (John 3:3; John 3:16-18; 1 John 2:29). A serious relationship with God does not include living like the culture of the world but living holy and clean (1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Timothy 2:21; 1 John 3:3; Titus 2:11-12). Another aspect of last days’ living is sharing the Word of God with others. This does not constitute social do-good acts but speaking the Word of God aloud for faith to come within the people (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:9-10). Let a church hand out water bottles, but speak the Word of God regarding salvation as the people reach out and grab the bottle. The love of God is present for everyone no matter their spiritual condition, but it is salvation that is the gift people must receive (John 3:16-21; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 6:23; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 5:9; John 6:40). John 3:36 states, “And he who believes in the Son has eternal life. But whoever disobeys the Son will never see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (Amplified). Notice this verse does not say whoever knows God loves them or whoever thinks God is in Heaven. It says whoever believes which means has faith in, clings to, and relies on Jesus Christ possesses eternal life. God’s love sent Jesus to become the sacrifice for the sins of mankind (John 3:16), but a person’s response to God’s acts of love determines their relationship with God (Matthew 22:14; Matthew 7:13-14). Life is meant to be lived by enjoying family, friends, clean fun, clean hobbies, going to church, and having the joy of the Lord as strength (Nehemiah 8:10) among other clean and holy elements of life but if people do not balance life here and the spiritual aspects to eternal life it will not be an eternity with God. Many people have more of a focus on having fun here and now rather than enjoying life and preparing for eternity by obeying God’s Word. The last days were not a joke to Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, the Apostle Peter, or any other Bible leader. Why have the last days become a joke among the body of Christ by living like the world, allowing churches to be lukewarm, and not having a true relationship with God through Jesus Christ as the Bible says to do? The answer is people who are no longer centering themselves on the Bible, but centering the Bible on self. This is not the day for fun and games but a day to have a biblical walk with God. It is also a day of being a living epistle sharing the Word of God with as many people as possible to make their choice on being a Christian. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
In today’s time, many choices must be made. The choice of going to church or not. The choice of attending an entertainment church or attending a biblical-based church. The choice between serving God or Satan. The choice to go to Heaven or Hell. Sadly, many people make these choices each day and do not consider their eternal significance. Each of these decisions has an impact on the lives of that person and the lives of those around that person. The choice of going to church seems like a decision based on feelings or how the weather is that day but the significance is having faith built by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), not forsaking church attendance (Hebrews 10:25), allowing the provocation to good works and love (Hebrews 10:24), and having the same attitude toward church as Jesus Christ (Luke 4:16). The choice of which church to attend seems like a decision based on which church is more comfortable and trendy but the significance is hearing the unadulterated Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19), having a biblical pastor (Ephesians 4:11-12; Jeremiah 3:15), allowing the Word of God to reprove, rebuke, and exhort (2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17), and being discipled to live a Christian life (Luke 9:23; 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 11:1). The choice of serving God seems like a decision that does not need to be made today but later when one knows they are about to die but the significance is today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2; Proverbs 27:1), the decision must be made and made for life (1 Kings 18:21,39; Joshua 24:15; Matthew 24:13), and having a God-blessed life (Psalm 1:1-6; James 1:12; Ephesians 1:3). The choice to go to Heaven seems like a decision that is based on being a good person but the significance is if a person does not know God they will not get to Heaven (Hebrews 11:6; John 17:3; John 14:6), whom one serves while living determines their eternity (Matthew 6:24; Colossians 3:23; Romans 12:1-2; John 12:26), and a person must be born again to enter Heaven (John 3:3; John 3:5; John 3:36; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:18). Here is the review of the biblical answers to these decisions. A person must choose to go to church, be part of a Bible-focused church, serve God, and go to Heaven. The spiritual enemies of our souls seek to make these decisions harder by convoluting the biblical answers with easier or more flesh-pleasing answers (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8; Hebrews 10:26). Christians must know the Word of God for themselves to have God’s answers to the decisions that must be made. When the flesh is pleased in not going to church, attending a trendy lukewarm church, choosing to serve Satan for now, and planning to get to Heaven by making things right with God just before one dies, life is not truly lived especially not having life in abundance. Jesus came to give life and life more abundantly to anyone who would receive it (John 10:10). The day of decision is here. What will the answers be? Every person must give an account for their own life (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 12:36). Each day’s decisions will impact tomorrow’s options. May each person not only make the best decisions today but have the biblical answers each day producing a better present and future. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
The Bible discusses in the last days there will be many people who love themselves and the pleasures of the world more than they are lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This also includes having a religious form but rejecting the power of God within their lives (2 Timothy 3:5). The key to this type of Christianity is compromise. Compromise is defined as to come to an agreement by mutual concession or granting a right, accepting as true, or acknowledging defeat to meet in the middle. There are generally four types of reasons Christians compromise their walk with God. One is fear of rejection. This is fear of being alone or pointed out from the crowd. The second is tolerance. This is sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from God’s. The third is pleasure. This is the willingness to adjust standards to be “happy”. The fourth is laziness. This is being too lazy to fight for what the Bible stands for. Compromised Christians are also called lukewarm and make Jesus want to vomit them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). Christians should not be afraid to be bold and uncompromising for God. If a person chooses to compromise their walk with God to allow sinful desires of the flesh, they are lukewarm. Christians must choose God. Compromise comes in four stages. The first stage is attraction. This means something gets the attention of a Christian. The second stage is justification. This is reflected in making reasons for the wrongs to be allowed due to desire. The third stage is indulgence. This is when restraints are removed and the conscience is hardened toward conviction. The fourth stage is re-definition. This reflects the creation of a new definition of what sin is to remove guilt while opposing what the Bible says. The responsibility of every Christian is to renew the mind and find the will of God (Romans 12:1-2). Christians should live for God and be transformed within their minds to what He desires. Christians should not be conformed to this world, but show the attitude and character God defines. No one should compromise a walk with God to imitate the world for anyone or anything. God desires for His people to reflect His image each day.
The true people of God know Who they worship and how to worship God (John 4:23-24). Christians must worship God in spirit and truth. They should desire to serve Him with all of their heart and mind not because they feel they must do it, but from their love and obedience to God. Christians do not receive eternal salvation from works but through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. No Christian can afford to get lazy or compromise true worship. Christians must decrease their desires to be like the world and allow Jesus to increase in their lives (John 3:30). They must choose to let go of the desires of the flesh and give God more room to grow within. No one should compromise by giving God less room or by staying stagnant within their relationship with God. Things within life that reflect more of a life of sin and do not glorify God are counted as waste (Philippians 3:7-9). Anything a person gains for the flesh (the sinful nature) is wasted time, wasted energy, and is a detour away from what God desires to give that person to benefit their life. God desires a deep relationship with everyone. Christians must live an uncompromising life for Jesus Christ. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org. Throughout the month of June, there are a lot of events and sayings concerning pride. Without the insertion of opinion, which many people allow to override the Word of God, the Bible has plenty to say regarding this subject. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). “All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3). By now the question may have risen “Does this writer even know what pride month is”? Yes, the writer does. The Word of God also has a lot to say about homosexuality. “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin” (Leviticus 18:22). “Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, misled: neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, nor cheats, swindlers and thieves, nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). “For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, and the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze, burning out, consumed, with lust for one another-men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was their fitting retribution” (Romans 1:26-27). “And then He (Jesus) added, It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:20-23). Jesus discusses both of these topics here in this last scripture listed. Both of these sins can and should be repented of. No matter the sin within one’s life, it should be repented of to have a right standing with God. “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him” (Acts 17:30). “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them (repent), they will receive mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). “I tell you, No; but unless you repent (change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally” (Luke 13:3). Jesus describes the need for everyone to repent of their sins or they cannot be in right standing with God. Everyone needs Jesus regardless of their type of sin, background, or current religious status. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Without accepting the free gift Jesus has purchased for everyone, the alternative is death as the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). May everyone choose life in God through Jesus Christ. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As time continues to move forward, each day brings everyone living closer to the day of the Lord. Churches and Christians progress toward this day but also those who choose not to believe the Word of God. One of the dangerous slopes that are found today is the lukewarm slope from being in a true relationship with God through Jesus Christ and then sliding down to making Jesus want to vomit the now lukewarm person out of His mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). In general, most people who are lukewarm did not start with the mindset of being lukewarm but they allowed themselves to cool off during the process of time and compromise. One of the methods of this cooling process is to follow the lustful desires of choosing lesser God-led churches. When God’s people truly have a heart needing deliverance, they cry out to Him (Exodus 3:7-9). In these moments, God sends a spiritual leader also known as a shepherd or pastor to tend to God’s flock, shear the heavy burden of wool from them, and help guide them to still waters and green pastures (Exodus 3:10; Psalm 23:2). Jesus still gives this gift to people today (Ephesians 4:11-12). This is the method of church God has established but when the flesh is more involved it seeks to have less of a pastor and more of a hireling (John 10:12-13). Pastors sent out by God have the same heart as Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 3:15). Those who are not established by God play the role of pastor but are less spiritual and more driven by earthly ambitions. When a person chooses to have a pastor by title but a priest in action they are looking for someone to conduct the religious acts for them while they sit back and wait for the blessings of God (Leviticus 4:26). This same heart looks for a judge to fight their enemies for them (Judges 1:1-2). Not desiring to be led by a spiritual leader or have a personal relationship with God gives way for people to do what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:24-25). When seeking a priest or judge to cater to one’s desires this leaves room for perversion to come to the priest or judge and lead the people even further away from God (1 Samuel 4:3-11; Jude 3-10). This perversion leads people back into bondage and the same ideology of non-believers (1 Samuel 8:1-9, 19-22). King Saul disobeyed God to obey the people because of peer pressure (1 Samuel 15:7-23). Having a person who is afraid of the congregation is not a God-ordained position but leads to a lust-filled carnival of entertainment. This does not give people the opportunity to grow in the things of God but counts how many people will be in attendance. This dangerous slope does not help prepare people for the last days but instead feeds a carnal group of people now thinking they are righteous while violating the Word of God in areas of their lives. People are left having a form of godliness but denying His power to work within their lives (2 Timothy 3:5). Christians should seek not to be entertained but to be led by the true God-ordained pastors He has established (Hebrews 13:7, 17). To be entertained and treated like a vacation town tourist is not God’s plan for a church but a God-centered family that prays, fellowships, and grows in the Word together as an army achieving victory is the goal (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:11-24). Be hot for God. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
After discussing what repentance is and the need for repentance, one must discuss the process of repentance. The process of repentance includes confessing sin, forsaking sin, and turning to God. First is confessing sin. To confess is defined as to agree with, to acknowledge, admit, or not to deny. Each person must agree with God by acknowledging their wrongdoing, not denying their participation but admitting, and professing those sins to God in seeking forgiveness (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Confession humbles a person to know their need for someone greater. The action of confession reflects the desire to cleanse oneself from the filthiness of sin (Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 32:5). Next is forsaking sin. To forsake is defined as to renounce, turn away from entirely, retreat from, leave behind, or give up. Forsaking sin is vital to the Christian life because there is a high price to pay if a person chooses not to obey. The price is eternal death in Hell (Romans 6:23). When sin is viewed as deadly it should create a motivation to not only confess it to be delivered but to forsake it so the wages no longer are the seeds planted within one's life. Confessing and forsaking sins go together with confession as the disposal and forsaking not returning (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7). God commands that all people go away from sin. Those who have already turned to God are especially given the command to not go back (Proverbs 4:14-15). This forsaking of sin begins with repentance but does not stop until the glorified body is received as the reward of endurance unto salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). Forsaking sin is truly tested when a Christian submits as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Lastly is turning to God. Turning to God is the essence of replacing the sinful lifestyle that once dominated with a new mindset, a new nature, and a new way of living that reflects the cleansing that has taken place on the inside to honor God (Acts 3:19). It is not enough to only turn away from sin but allow God’s presence to fill the void where sin once dominated. The change of mind and purpose turns to God in obedience bringing a refreshing (James 4:8). After confessing and forsaking sin, turning to God brings repentance to fulfillment. It is the height of making the change from the old sinful nature to a new holy character (Acts 26:20; Psalm 68:20). God’s Word displays that in turning to God there are requirements and promises as a result of the process. When turning to God, sins are being forsaken by the cleansing of hands, purifying hearts, and turning the opposite direction of sin (James 4:8). Simultaneously, as Christians turn to God by getting closer to Him, He gets closer to them because sin is no longer a wall creating a division (John 1:12). The promise within this process is deliverance and victory from death, which is the wages of sin (Romans 6:23). Turning to God gives the person power through faith. Repentance requires this process to properly make the permanent turn from a sinful being to a clean and holy being. This does not constitute sin will never be present again in one’s life, but a person who lives a life of submission to God is quick to repent for the sins committed (1 John 3:6). Omitting any part of this process diminishes repentance to a religious formality. May God’s people understand the process of repentance to live holy before Him. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
For review, without repentance, a person cannot have a relationship with God leaving that person separated in the present but also for eternity. Those who do not repent of sin will face Hell as their eternal damnation and judgment. This is the high price to pay for not taking repentance seriously in life (Matthew 25:33, 41, 46). To be righteous reflects right standing with God (1 John 3:7; 5:18; Philippians 1:11). Those who are not righteous practice lawlessness. A lawless person does not desire to be regulated. Repentance is the only way to have one’s name in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; 21:27; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3). Repentance is the only way to escape Hell through salvation. Repentance affords forgiveness and salvation affords eternal life but those only come through Jesus Christ. Jesus states that everyone must be born again to enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5, 7). God will not destroy those who have repented for their sins and walk with Him daily in their salvation. His promises to those who repent are life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Repentance is part of this conversion when applied with faith in Who Jesus is. If a person chooses not to repent and be born again, they are denying receiving the free eternal gift of life God has for them (John 10:10; Romans 6:23). Jesus has already paid the price for everyone’s conversion but repentance through faith is subject to each person’s choice for their life (John 3:16-21). John 3:16-21 paints the picture of repentance in action but many overlook the heart of what is being said. God made a plan of salvation for mankind to repent for the restoration of fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ, His Son. Those who believe in Jesus and submit to the conviction of the Holy Spirit are converted through repentance and faith. This sets them apart for everlasting life and a lack of condemnation. Those who do not believe are already on their way to Hell and condemnation unless repentance takes place. When those who believe and are converted come to the light they produce fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8; Galatians 5:22-23) while those who choose to not come to the light remain in darkness with their works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). The need for repentance is great within the lives of every human being. Without repentance, death is not only the eternal choice of residence but the dominating force being paid as the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) while on the earth. With such a great need for repentance, why are so many people not being taught this eternal principle? Why do so many people lack the heart to commit to such a requirement by God after they learn of repentance? Why are so many people not ensuring their soul’s current and eternal position in God through Jesus Christ knowing the price of lawlessness is hell? The answer is selfishness. Repentance is based on humility and the realization of needing God. When characteristics arise that oppose humility the realization of a need for God begins to lessen creating a stubborn, lawless person who would rather choose the pleasure of sin for a season than God for all eternity. Humility should lead to repentance. Repentance leads to life, wisdom, and forgiveness (Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 11:2; 2 Chronicles 7:14). May people everywhere see their need for repentance and make the changes necessary to live for God. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review, there are three elements of repentance: intellectual, emotional, and voluntary. The intellectual element is the change of view within the mind. This element also changes the view of sin as a defilement and pollution of self. The emotional element is a godly sorrow for sin. The heart must stir in emotion that ushers in a desire to rid oneself of sin which defiles and pollutes. The voluntary element is the exercise of free will to make the changes necessary in the direction of holiness and God’s presence. Repentance that is coerced is not legitimate to God. In regards to salvation, God will not override the choice of a person’s desires to not assault the freedom of each person. This limits God to the response of the person when hearing the Word of God. Repentance must be voluntary as a product of a heart ready to repent (2 Chronicles 7:14; Luke 15:18-19). Without the voluntary will to repent the actions that take place are religious in methodology but are void of sincerity. The heart is a key ingredient in two of the elements of repentance. A changed heart and mind will be the fruit of true repentance. Each of these elements is important to repentance. All three produce the change necessary within a person to bring them closer to God as a true Christian. Repentance is also not merit-based. There are no magical punishments or good deeds that bring the fruit of repentance to one’s life. Repentance requires the three elements, as previously mentioned, mixed with faith to bring the product of repentance. Again, there are no acts of repentance but fruit of repentance. Faith produces works from a love for and a relationship with God (James 2:17-26; Titus 1:16; 2:14; 3:8). These verses display it is a life of faith-produced works, not repentance-produced works. Repentance turns a person away from sin but faith and love for God produce a holy, clean life. There are too many verses within the Bible referencing repentance for Christians to overlook this doctrine, skip across it, or think that there is no longer a need for such teaching. Every person who has ever lived, currently living, or whoever will live needs repentance. It is sin that brings death since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3-19). God is asking His people why they are choosing to not turn from their sins and are choosing to die (Ezekiel 18:31-32). God desires for all of mankind to have life in Him (Ezekiel 18:21-22). Having a relationship with God has been the original plan since the creation of Adam (Genesis 1:26; 2:8). Having a heart that hates sin will motivate that person to not return or go near a sinful lifestyle again. Without repentance, a person cannot have a relationship with God leaving that person separated in the present but also for eternity. Those who do not repent of sin will face Hell as their eternal damnation and judgment. This is the high price to pay for not taking repentance seriously in life (Matthew 25:33, 41, 46). The goats represent the people who chose to not be righteous but chose lawlessness. To be righteous reflects right standing with God (1 John 3:7; 5:18; Philippians 1:11). Those who are not righteous practice lawlessness. A lawless person does not desire to be regulated. Repentance is the only way to have one’s name in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; 21:27; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3). Repentance is the only way to escape Hell through salvation. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
The doctrine of repentance has become one of the foundational principles of Christianity that is skipped across the surface like skipping a rock across a pond. In every conversion to Christianity, there are two parts: repentance and faith (Romans 10:9-10). Both parts are necessary for a person to be born again. Repentance is defined as a change of mind or change of purpose. Applying this theologically means to turn from sin by changing the mind and purpose of one’s life (Acts 3:19-20; Acts 17:30). Part of repenting is to abhor past sins. To abhor means to loathe, regard with extreme dislike or distaste. Repentance reflects hate toward sins committed. Not having a hatred toward sin may reflect a lack of repentance or a heart turning back to its previous state of living in sin. To be born again a person must turn away from their sins and turn to God (Proverbs 28:13). Repentance is the beginning step of salvation. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and other people of God throughout the Bible preached the message of repentance. This message is closest to God because the result brings His creation closer to Him. God desires to see everyone repent and have a true relationship with Him, not only for eternity but here and now (2 Peter 3:9). Sin separates and dominates while repentance humiliates and germinates. Sin separates a person from God and dominates that person’s life. Repentance should keep a person humble and allow the things of God to grow within that person. Without a relationship with God on earth that person will not be with Him for eternity. There are three elements of repentance: intellectual, emotional, and voluntary. Each element is vital to repenting and having a true relationship with God. The intellectual element is the change of view within the mind. Sin is viewed as a personal guilt and transgression against God (Psalm 51:3-4). The spiritual enemy of God uses the deception of calling this element condemnation (blame, pass sentence) rather than conviction (admission of truth by revealing error). This element also changes the view of sin as a defilement and pollution of self. Psalm 51:3-4 also displays God’s ability to condemn anyone who is found in sin due to His righteous judgment, but He uses conviction for people everywhere to understand their need for the salvation He offers by the truth being revealed. This truth should lead to repentance (Romans 3:20). When people know the intellectual element of repentance it begins the process of understanding the need for a savior due to the sin within their life. Knowing what is wrong can be the beginning of taking the correct steps toward God. The emotional element is a godly sorrow for sin. The heart must stir in emotion that ushers in a desire to rid oneself of sin which defiles and pollutes. Without the heart-stirring toward a resolution of sin within one’s life, that person will remain the same. This is the danger of inviting people to accept Jesus but not revealing the necessity of change in their lives (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Godly sorrow works for people to repent of their sins to receive salvation. Salvation is not to be repented of or turned away from. The sorrow of the world may make a person feel bad or guilty but it does not turn people away from the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). The heart must break to realize the defect of sin within oneself to turn to Jesus Christ as the healer of the brokenhearted. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
May 2024
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