A few lessons back the subject was the point at which forgiveness comes to the believer in Jesus Christ. As was pointed out, the false teaching of asking God to forgive is very popular. However, such asking not only isn’t taught in scripture, it calls for no change known as repentance. It is argued that Jesus said to ask for forgiveness. In the following he said: [Matthew 6:12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  The word debt refers to the sin of which all are guilty. [Romans 3:23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Further, the word debt means that a punishment must be meted out as payment to satisfy the debt. Jesus did that on the cross once for all. [Hebrews 10:10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Jesus paid the price for the debt owed to God that all of mankind couldn’t pay because of sin. Luke Chapter 11 verse 4 says forgive us our sins which puts the emphasis on the activity of the doer. But remember, all the words of Jesus occurred before the cross and were predicated on his death and resurrection. His prayer was for those before his death and was for the purpose of petitioning God to do away with their sins through the death of Christ, which he did.

The word repent occurs in 22 verses and not once is there any hint that it means ask. Repentance means to turn from and to change ones mind about whatever is being taught. In essence, the teaching is to turn from a life of sin to one of following God in Jesus Christ. Man kind can repent but they can’t author their own forgiveness since sinners can’t approach the throne of grace. Sin isn’t allowed in God’s presence so sinners must repent and turn to the one who has taken away sin, Jesus Christ.  

Just the mere thought of repentance requires the person exploring the gospel to take stock of life and the direction it is going. It forces the unwashed sinner to look at the life being led in relation to the life God wants each human to live. Asking forgiveness requires nothing from the one asking, but repentance requires a change on the part of the individual. Living for God by following Christ dictates a demand for the attitude about life to be directed toward God. Such redirection requires change of thoughts and behavior.

 Jesus told the people of his day: [Matthew 3:8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Do those things that show you have changed your mind about God and me. Luke wrote in Acts: [Acts 26:20] But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  Paul told the people of that day to repent and do the things that would be worthy to show their change in life’s direction.

Repentance continues throughout life as Peter says: [2 Pet 3:18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.  Repentance daily keeps ones face turned to the living God and brings a peace that passes all understanding as Paul wrote in Philippians: [Phil 4:6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [Phil 4:7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Repentance keeps us focused on God and his ways, not the sin that Jesus put away on the cross. Jesus rose from the grave, proof that sin was put to death. Repent and do what the writer of Hebrews recorded: [Hebrews 12:2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 © 03-15-2006 DEC

                                  Next Lesson  Sin and Death