APRIL 19: SINCERE REPENTANCE

Repentance is one of the words or few biblical terminologies used today that appears to have lost its true meaning and significance because of its abuse, particularly in Christian circles or possibly because of its frequent usage. This has made it to become a necessity to qualify its usage with the word “sincere” in order to define its real and true essence.

Repentance in Greek is from the word “Metanoia” – a compound word for “change” and “think”. Simply put, repentance is “a change of one’s mind that results in change of heart and actions. Hence, in corroborating this, William Douglas Chamberlain wrote that, “The Christian faith turns men’s faces forward. Repentance is the reorientation of a personality with reference to God and His purpose”. Interestingly, the first sermon Christ preached began with “Repent” (Matt. 4:17) and then, captured in his farewell message is the instruction, “repentance should be preached in his name” (Luke 24:47).

So, from the text read, John the Baptist was asking the people to bring forth fruits of repentance, to show that their hearts are really changed (Matt. 3:8, PHILIPS). Similarly, the experience in Acts 2:37-38 shows that the heart of the people being “cut” from the message heard could only be genuinely demonstrated by turning from sin unto God, for there to be forgiveness of sin.

Therefore, true and sincere repentance follows the process of knowing and recognizing your sin, sorrow for the sin, confession of the sin and turning from the sin unto God (2 Cor. 7:10, Act 26:18,20). Just as the people in our text today, when you hear the gospel message, it should make you see and recognize your sin and it should thereafter, cut your heart to sorrow for your sin. Then, you should confess your sin and turn from it unto God. Sincere repentance is proven and demonstrated in deeds and living a changed life.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to consistently bring forth fruits of sincere repentance as I live the life of a changed person, Amen.