Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 

Repentance is the lifestyle of the truly born-again believer in Christ. There is a popular false teaching in the Church today that denies this but when we study the Word of God, and consider our own lives, we will come to this conclusion.

 

This false doctrine teaches believers that they only need to repent once; at the time of their Salvation. If that is true, why did the Apostle Paul write All Scripture comes by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in Righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)?

 

If our initial repentance was all that God required, why would we need reproof, correction, and instruction in Righteousness? In order for us to be complete and thoroughly equipped for the work God has prepared us to do, we must first repent of the things in our lives that do not line up with the Word of God.

 

Repentance has always been the first step to receiving anything from God. As stated yesterday, Repentance has several aspects to it. 1. It means to confess your wrongdoing to God. 2. It is the admission that you are wrong and God is right. 3. It is to ask God to forgive you of your sins. 4. It is ALSO, and most importantly, to turn from your sins, not toward another sin, but turn toward God and His Ways.

 

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a model prayer. We know this as the Lord’s Prayer. We find this in Matthew 6:9-13. Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed by Your Name. Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen.

 

In keeping with our stand for a lifestyle of repentance, consider the Words of Jesus in this model prayer. This is how Jesus instructed us (believers) to pray. There are two points I want you to see in this prayer. IF, there is no need for believers to repent, why would Jesus instruct us to pray forgive us our trespasses? Also, if we have nothing to repent about after our initial Salvation, why would Jesus tell us to pray and ask God to lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.?

 

The entire teaching on no need to ever repent again is totally FALSE and will lead people into sin instead of delivering them out of it. The majority of the New Testament is written to believers and the overall theme is How To Live Your Life Pleasing To God. If all we had to do was accept the fact that Jesus went to the Cross, there would be no need for all the teachings we find in the New Testament.

 

The first step to Salvation has always been to REPENT! That’s how we got saved and that’s how we live our lives pleasing to God. We must continually repent of our wrongdoing, turn from our wicked ways, and turn toward the Ways of God. Our ways are sinful and wrong. His Ways are Right and Good.

 

Repentance will……..….turn the tide……..in this world.

 

Hallelujah!         Doreen

 

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