The Instruction 📌

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19-20

Repentance is a word that is so often used among believers but yet still misunderstood. We interpret repentance as saying “I’m sorry” or turning away from a particular sin. According to scripture, true repentance is urged by “godly sorrow,” and it “leads to salvation” ( See 2 Corinthians 7:10 ). Repent means to change one’s mind. It is beyond the utterance of one saying I’m sorry. Repentance is grace. Repentance is a heart and mind inflow and outflow (Romans 12:2) It is asking the Lord to cleanse you and make you anew but most of all, recognizing that you have fallen short of God’s glory and that you can never save yourself. For our sake, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” ( See 2 Corinthians 5:21 ). Repentance is turning away from sin and drawing nearer to God. It is a change reaction in the heart and mind upon recognition of Christ sacrifice on the Christ of Calvary.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:8

When I think about repentance, I am always reminded of David’s outcry to the Lord in Psalm 51. David as we know, was known as the man after God’s heart. Throughout scripture, we see David’s heart to seek the face of God. Then again, we are given a glimpse of what living in a flesh can result in through the life of a man who sought the face of God ( See 2 Samuel 11 ).

In Psalm 51, David humbly came to God. He didn’t run away from God. He drew closer to the presence of God. Too often, when we have engaged ourselves in sin, we run away from God. We continue skipping rope with the enemy. Instead of us, drawing to God, we flee from His presence. We flee from the One who is ready to set us free and draw nearer to the enemy’s camp where we become enslaved again.

If we look at repentance as a means of turning away from sin, we will find ourselves back in the pit again but when we understand the measure of God’s great love for us, we will hate the sin and love the One who died for us so that we can live freely in Him.

As believers, we have freedom in Christ but we will never experience true freedom when we are comfortable being bound. So often, people struggle to repent because of their fears of the reoccurrence of their sins. If only we understood that repentance is only doable through the help of the Holy Spirit, we will not a second, overthink the decision because there is a greater consequence that awaits an unrepentant sinner.

Like David, we must humble ourselves and boldly come into the throne room of grace. In repentance, we allow the Holy Spirit to open the door of our hearts so that we can see the light of Christ. Sin clouds our vision. It hinders us from seeing the light of Christ and makes us comfortable in the dark but God’s grace stands out. It is available for us in every season. In repentance, we are transformed, made whole and offered a new garment. Grace is available but it’s a choice to accept the gift. It is free for all those who believe in Jesus Christ.

If grace is available, does that mean you can continue to dine with enemy? No, because scripture reminds us Romans 6:1-4

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:1-4

Since, we have new life in Christ, we must operate in that manner. If truly we have decided to follow Jesus, there’s no turning back. We must arise even when we fall.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

How do you know if someone has repented?

Repentance is a heart condition. It’s between the individual and God. Scripture tell us that we will know one by their fruit. ( Matthew 7:18-19)

Tips for the journey 📍

1. Be careful of what you are feeding yourself. Do you crave the things of God or the things of the world?

2. Be aware of the enemy’s tactics. One of the greatest portals the enemy uses in our generation is technology.

3. Draw near to God instead of running away from Him. He is the One who is waiting for you.

4. Have Accountability partners. Of course, it’s not everyone you need to run to with your problems. Be wise and seek the Holy Spirit in all that you do.

5. Be intentional & vigilant. ( Psalm 90:12, John 10:10)

6. Spend time in the word of God! I can’t emphasize this enough. Meditate on scripture. Study the word. Take delight in spending time with the Lord. It is not a chore. If you make room for the enemy, he will surely occupy your entire life.

7. Pray/Fast/Praise. Give thanks to God. Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in your life. Join your faith with other believers in Christ and stand together in prayer. Have a personal retreat with the Lord.

Verses To Ponder

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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. -Proverbs 28:13

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. -Matthew 3:8

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” -Matthew 4:17

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. -Revelations 3:19

Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. -Joel 2:13

Further Reading 📖

📚: Luke 15:11-32 & Ephesians 6:10-20

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. God bless you 🙏🏿. Have a blessed day 🥁