The importance of repentance

The importance of repentance

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Heb. 3:15 NKJV).

Repentance involves regret, sorrow and pain. But it doesn’t end there. It is complete when one stops the wrong things one does or starts doing the right things that are undone. Many of us think that repentance is only for people who have not accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. But the truth is, everyone needs to repent of different things as the Holy Spirit calls our attention to them. Our sensitivity to repentance is an indicator of our level of closeness to God.

One doesn’t repent unless he agrees that he’s in the wrong. And we are actually wrong about many things. For example, you might receive a phone call and assume that the caller wants to ask for a favour from you, whereas the call is just about something totally different. We really need to repent of our wrong assumptions and selfishness. Some folks don’t help others financially or morally. Neither do they remember others in their prayers. When they earn or plan, it’s all about themselves. Selfishness is something many of us have to repent of.

Another thing we need to repent of is our purposelessness. Many a Christian’s attitude to seeking the face of God is quite saddening. Our commitment to soul winning is poor. Materialism has taken the place of Christ-mindedness. We now compete in materialism instead of yielding ourselves to God’s purpose. We have fed our minds so much with earthly junks that we are no longer hungry for real spiritual nourishment. The love of God is no longer the motivation for most of the things we do. Of a truth, we really have a need to repent.

So many ‘Christians’ only have a form of godliness. They deny the power of God which turns us to sons and daughters of God indeed. If you can’t see any positive difference between who you were and who you are, then you need repentance and a fresh encounter. Do you still cheat, defraud, deceive, gossip, fornicate or cause disunity among brethren? Does your life promote or relegate the fear of God?

The Bible says “…if my people…will humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land (II Chro. 7:14). So as we can see repentance involves three stages: One, humbling ourselves; two, seeking God’s face in prayers and three, turning from our wicked ways. Repentance is incomplete until it involves these three.

Today’s Corporate Prayer: My God and Father, help my determination to please You above all else. In Jesus name!

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BIBLE IN A YEAR: Daniel 7 – 12

Also Read: The joy of repentance