Jesus said, “Either repent or perish” (Luke 13:3). That seems quite clear and emphatic. To follow Him, one must turn from all others and, in purity, dedicate heart, soul, strength, and mind to serving Him.
God’s demand for repentance did not begin with Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. The acknowledgment of sin and repentance was demanded long ago. Pharaoh was called on by God through Moses to repent and let His people go. Pharaoh would not and brought great sorrow upon himself and Egypt. With the killing of the firstborn in Egypt, God sobered Pharaoh to the point of letting the children of Israel go. In that process Pharaoh acknowledged his wrong, sought selfish relief, but did not repent. How do we know he didn’t repent? He did not change (Exod. 10:16).
Jonah, on the other hand, did acknowledge his sin; he sought relief and changed directions (Jonah 2). The reluctant preacher was set on trying to run from God. He had to spend three days in the belly of a great fish, but that moved him to acknowledge his wrong and seek relief. Involved in the obedient act of repentance is the acknowledging of sin (Luke 15:18). From ancient times until today, one has always been required to acknowledge sin in repentance.
Acknowledgment of sin is not repentance of sin. Repentance is a changed heart seen in a changed life. Some will walk the aisle and acknowledge sin but never actually repent. It’s not only walking the aisle or acknowledging sin in one’s life, but also the changing of heart clearly seen in a changed life (Luke 3:3). Inspiration reveals that “godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation” (II Cor. 7:10). Godly sorrow marked the obedient first day of the church (Acts 2:38), when those who heard the gospel preached were “cut to the heart,” acknowledged their sin, turned in obedience to God in repentance, and were baptized for the remission of sins. It was then that Christ added them to the church, His spiritual kingdom (Acts 2:47).
“Repentance is a changed heart seen in a changed life.”
A life of penitence is required for salvation. There is no doctrine taught or affirmed in the Bible of “once saved, always saved,” or “once baptized, always saved.” Just as God offered a second law of pardon through repentance to King David long ago (II Sam. 12–14), He does today through Christ (Acts 8:20–24). Simon the sorcerer had to repent and ask forgiveness of his sins (Acts 8:20–24) from a faithful and just God (I John 1:9), ready and willing to forgive. Godly sorrow with repentance is the right thing to do.
Is there profit for the Christian in acknowledging sin and asking God’s forgiveness in repentance? Again, even in ancient times, God offered relief to those penitent ones (Job 42:6, 12). He can and will do so today according to His will. What profit should be expected? Forgiveness of sin is enough, but often physical blessings can also be realized, as was the case with Job. God’s grace is extended to those who walk in the light as He continually cleanses them of sin (I John 1:7).
David Hill
President
Tennessee Bible College