TRUE REPENTANCE
When we think of repentance, we tend to think that repentance is to feel bad about our sins. It is a guilt-laden word that brings a load of guilt, regret, and shame. May you have seen street preachers with cardboard signs on the street telling you to repent! Or perhaps you have friends who dictate to you that you need to repent! But have you ever stopped to think about what repentance really is? And why is this subject of repentance important? I will come back to what it is but let me first tell you why it is important! Repentance is important because it is:
· Commanded by God (Acts 17:30).
· Central to the Gospel (Matthew 3:2 – John; 4:17 – Jesus); (Acts 2:38 – Peter); (Acts 26:20 – Paul). all preached repentance as central to the gospel
· To be Carried out by all people (Acts 17:30).
Now with this in mind, the teaching of repentance is a necessity. So, for our consideration tonight I would like to raise three important questions.
1. What is Repentance?
2. Why is repentance necessary?
3. How are People Brought to Repentance?
What is Repentance?
“Repentance” in the OT”
The Hebrew word translated as ‘repentance’ is teshuva (pronounced “teh-shoo-vah”). Teshuva means a lot more than a feeling of guilt or regret. In fact, it derives from the verb “Shuwb” which means “to turn back” or ‘to return’!
The various English translation of Scripture often interprets repentance as being sorry. And therefore, it appears to be more of a feeling rather than acting or taking action. But repentance in Hebrew takes a slightly different slant. It is not simply a state of mind, as it is a decision to act, that is, to return. It is deciding to turn away from the path we are on and return to the path towards God.
The prophets said this way…
· “Return, faithless Israel declares the LORD, I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful declares the LORD, I will not be angry forever” (Jeremiah 3:12).
· I will give them a heart to know me that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart (Jeremiah 24:7).
· Return, O Israel to the LORD Your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD say to him forgive all our sins and receive us graciously” (Hosea 14:1,2).
· “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart …” (Joel 2:12).
· “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
It is a continuous decision to return to God and to receive a new start in every area of our lives from Him. A return to His ideals for us, His precepts for us, His laws for us, His ways for us, His desires for us. It is a return to God’s ideal plan.
The purpose of repentance is to go through a transformational process. It is not just an apology it is a path back to God.
In the story of Joseph, we see this amazing truth come to pass in Genesis chapters 42-45).
Repentance is returning to what is right and pure. It is returning to God’s ideal. Aside from showing regret and remorse, it is returning to the original plan of God. To live with Him, consult with Him, fellowship with Him, and obey Him.
So, essentially, to repent means to recognize our own wrongdoing and – humbly denying ourselves – to turn around and face the One we have wronged – God. Yes, it is regretting our sins and showing remorse, but it is also committing to a new path. Because this return path of correction and truth will always lead to true freedom.
