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.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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