1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

 

Repentance is a subject that we could spend every day discussing for the rest of this year. Repentance is NOT a one-time occurrence. Rather, repentance is a position of the heart for every believer. Some will argue that it is an Old Testament doctrine and not pertinent to New Testament believers but nothing could be further from the truth. We find the word repent or repentance 57 times in the New Testament.

 

The Apostle John wrote on the doctrine of Repentance. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. (John 1:8-10)

 

The simple fact is that we all have the sin nature in us. We are all sinners and to say we are not, is the deception of the Devil. Just as he deceived Eve in the Garden by telling her that God didn’t really mean what He said, he is still telling people the same thing today. The truth is, God does mean what He says and His Word is Truth.

 

Jesus spoke on this subject in the Book of Revelation when He addressed the Seven Churches. Obviously, if He was writing to the Churches, He was writing to the believers in those Churches. To the Church in Ephesus He wrote Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. (Revelation 2:5)

 

To the Church at Pergamos, Jesus wrote Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. (Revelation 1:16)

 

To the Church at Thyatira He wrote I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death and all the Churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. (Revelation 1:21-23)

 

Jesus wrote to the Church at Sardis Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. (Revelation 2:3)

 

Finally, to the Church at Laodicea, Jesus wrote As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:19)

 

If any preacher or teacher tells you that Repentance has no part in the life of the believer today, run as fast as you can from them. They are speaking the deceptive words of the Devil. The Words of Jesus are very clear: REPENT!

 

Repent and God will…..…….turn the tide……….in your world.

 

Thank you Lord for repentance,         Doreen

 

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