INTRODUCTION

Acts 17:30
God’s Word teaches that repentance is a complete turning away from all sin and its deceitful pleasures, and that this repentance is required from the sinner before he can truly and effectively believe in Jesus with saving faith (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:21-23; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:20,21; II Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 6:1-3).

The entrance into redemption through Christ is by faith. But faith can only be manifested alongside genuine repentance. God demands repentance from all sinners to avail them of the provision of redemption made in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5-7; Matthew 20:28; 26:28; John 3:14,15; I Corinthians 5:7; John 1:12; 3:28,36).

SUB TOPICS:

1. THE MEANING OF REPENTANCE

   Repentance is a conscious turning away from evil, disobedience, sin or idolatry. It is turning away from Satan unto the living God (Jonah 3:8-10; Proverbs 28:13; Acts 26:18). Repentance consists in a change of attitude towards sin — a deep inward experience which makes the sinner turn from sin to God. It produces hatred for sin and longing for righteousness (II Peter 3:9). True repentance is not worldly sorrow or mere regret, but godly sorrow that leads to a change of heart (II Corinthians 7:10). When the sinner hears the Gospel, the Holy Spirit convicts him, leading to confession and forsaking of sins (Acts 2:37; 16:29-30). Repentance opens the door to faith in the Lord Jesus and secures pardon and cleansing (Ezekiel 18:21-22; I John 1:9).

2. THE PREACHING OF REPENTANCE

   Repentance is the central theme of the Gospel — a foundation stone of the New Testament Church. John the Baptist’s ministry focused on repentance (Mark 1:15; Luke 3:3-14). Christ’s message also began and ended with repentance (Matthew 4:17; Luke 24:45-47; Revelation 2:4-5). The Apostles continued this theme, preaching repentance to Jews and Gentiles alike (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:20-21). Repentance must still be proclaimed today as the gateway to salvation and reconciliation with God.

3. THE FRUIT OF REPENTANCE

   True repentance bears fruit through a transformed life and faith in Christ (Acts 20:21). Repentance does not save by itself but leads to works that reflect faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26). It includes restitution — the correction of past wrongs to maintain a conscience void of offence before God and men (Ezekiel 33:14-16; Acts 24:16). Repentance brings pardon, justification, and joy in heaven over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:7,10-24; Isaiah 55:7). It is the doorway to grace, restoration, and fellowship with God.