{"product_id":"what-is-repentance","title":"What Is Repentance?","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near’” (Matt. 3:1-2).\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTHE CALL FOR REPENTANCE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGod is calling all people to repentance and a radical change of life. If you haven’t repented and given your life over to Jesus Christ then you need to come to grips with some basic facts:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1. God really does exist and He has a claim on your life. One day you will face God and He will call you into account for everything you have ever said and done. (Matt. 12:37, Rom. 14:11-12, Heb. 9:27, Rev. 20:11-15)\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2. Everyone sins. You might be able to curb some big sins like murder \u0026amp; adultery. But you have lied, you have lusted, you have gossiped, you have coveted. These are all sins to a Holy God. (Rom. 3:23, James 2:10)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e3. No matter how good you are or how hard you try, you cannot earn or work your way into Heaven. You cannot stand on your own goodness and righteousness. (Rom. 3:27-28, Eph. 2:8-9)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4. You must know who Jesus Christ is: He is the Son of God and the only way to Heaven and Eternal life. He paid the penalty of your sins in His own body on the cross. He was buried and then raised to life on the third day. (John 3:16, 14:6, Rom. 4:24-25, 10:9-10, 1 John 2:1-2)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e[Do you struggle with repentance, have no desire to repent, find it hard to repent, or just can’t seem to get there? Call out to God and ask Him to expose the darkest places of your heart, that you may see sin for what it truly is. And keep asking, praying, and reading God’s Word. God will grant you the repentance and faith you need as you look to Him for it.]\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eREPENTANCE DEFINED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe word “Repentance” has two definitions. The Hebrew word is “teshuvah” and means “to turn around” and “to change direction.” It is a great picture: You have been walking down the road in one direction (sin \u0026amp; rebellion) and you make a 180 degree turn and start walking in the opposite direction (God \u0026amp; Obedience). The Greek word for repentance is “metanoia” which means a “change of mind” that leads to a “change of heart” that leads to a “change of behavior.” A repentant person changes their mind about sin. Sin is no longer something to be desired, pursued or held onto, but something to flee from. A repentant person will see the ugliness of sin. They will see sin for what it really is: evil, destructive, and offensive to God. A repentant person will be repulsed and sickened by sin. Sin is no longer something to be enjoyed, but something to be forsaken. It is no longer a source of pleasure, but a pathway to destruction, death, and Hell. Repentance is also described as a radical reorientation of life—it’s a changed mindset, a change of priorities, a change of values, a change of perspectives, a change of direction, and a change of life.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eREASONS FOR REPENTANCE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is commanded by God; God calls all people everywhere to repent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is mandatory due to our fallen sinful nature inherited from Adam \u0026amp; Eve.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is crucial if we’re to escape God’s wrath and punishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is a gift that may not come again; God does not promise us a tomorrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance opens the door to healing, deliverance, and salvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance turns us in the direction where God can start to work in our lives and what’s best for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance pleases God and shows that we are taking sin seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance allows us to seek God’s grace \u0026amp; mercy in the face of our daily stumbles into sin.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance allows God to relieve the burden of sin, guilt, and shame.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance brings security to the soul and releases God’s love \u0026amp; forgiveness into our hearts.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance keeps us from becoming comfortable and hardened by sin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance protects us from damaging and destructive behaviors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance puts us back on the right path and keeps us on the right path.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance frees us from sin’s hold and keeps Satan from gaining a foothold in our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance shows we are growing and maturing in wanting to be more like Christ.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWHAT REPENTANCE IS AND IS NOT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not feeling sorry over the costs and consequences of sin. That’s worldly sorrow, not godly sorrow. A criminal can be sorry they got caught, but not sorry enough to change.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not about feeling like a bad person. Anyone can admit they are a terrible person at times, and yet not admit they are a sinner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not about keeping God happy so He will bless us and answer our prayers. We repent not for the benefits, but because its good for the soul and keeps us productive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not an emotional tearful moment in feeling sorry for your sins, but a decision of the “Will” to change course and follow Christ.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not ever sinning again, but are you going to war with the sin? Are you battling sin on every front? Are you working on looking more like Jesus today than yesterday?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not cleaning up our lives before coming to Jesus—an impossible feat to be sure.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not a bad word, but a positive one of joy, peace, freedom, and new life.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not punishing ourselves in order to convince God how miserable and sorry we are.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not doing something good to make up for the sin.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not just feeling sorry over sin but about offending and wounding God.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not about the fear of punishment or securing a ticket out of Hell.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not walking down an isle, praying a prayer, or signing a decision card, but the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing and convicting a person’s heart in repenting and receiving Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not about behavioral modifications or turning by degrees.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not beating yourself up over the past. Know you’re not perfect and move on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepentance is not a one-time thing: “Been there, Done that”. It’s a place you live daily in turning from sin and growing more and more like Jesus. (The day you stop repenting, is the day you stop growing!)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHOW TO REPENT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by confessing and admitting you’re a sinner who can’t save themselves.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by inviting Jesus into your life as Lord \u0026amp; Savior.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by having a change of mind about God, sin, and holiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by seeing sin for what it really is: offensive and displeasing to a holy God.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by agreeing with God about your sin, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by having conviction of sin, not just bad behavior.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by having godly sorrow for sin, not just remorse and regret.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by recognizing no matter how good you are or how hard you try you’ve broken God’s Commandments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by turning away from your own efforts and goodness, to resting in the finished work of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRepent by claiming and receiving God’s forgiveness as promised in His Word.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSIGNS OF REPENTANCE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will turn away from their sinful way of living.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will have a change of heart and behavior.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will witness their faith to family and friends by being baptized.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will start to attend a Bible-believing church.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will be far less likely to judge the sins of others having seen their own need for God’s forgiveness. \u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will come to hate sin, knowing the high price it cost our Lord and Savior.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will no longer defend, excuse, or justify their sin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will be quick to own-up and come clean to God about their sin.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will be open, honest, and transparent about their sin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will feel the pain and harm they caused others.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will apologize and ask forgiveness from those they hurt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will make restitution and amends where possible.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will follow and obey God’s Word.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will make every effort to forsake and stop sin.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will know their limitations and set up boundaries.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will remain answerable and accountable to other Christians.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person will move forward in the forgiveness of God without shame, guilt, or fear. (Don’t let your behavior steal your identity.)\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA repentant person shows they’re still seeking God and\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003ethat the Holy Spirit is still at work in them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHINDRANCES IN REPENTANCE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear the idea of submission \u0026amp; confession. (We naturally rebel against authority.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe feel we’re a good person–not perfect, but not bad either.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe don’t see ourselves as sinners or feel there’s anything wrong with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe allow pride to take over; we hate being exposed or appearing weak and needy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe feel our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds. (“The good things I’ve done and all the people I have helped will save me,” we believe.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe minimize and excuse the sin as no big deal. (We don’t see certain things as sin.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe feel repentance is embarrassing and humiliating. Who wants to admit they’re a bad person and a sinner? It is not an easy thing to do.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear the consequences, tickets, fines, jail. (Know the positive benefits in no longer being weighed down by guilt and regret far outweigh the negative consequences.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe take pleasure and delight in sin. (It’s hard to repent from that which we enjoy.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear repenting will take all the fun and joy out of life. Will we lose our personality or have to give up our favorite foods, TV shows, music, hobbies?\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe like the idea of Salvation and going to Heaven, but we’re not into all the obedience, holiness, and sacrifices that go with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear failure, since the changes will be too hard to make, or fear success, since a lot more will be expected of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear losing our identity. Who would we be if we left the only thing we know?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear a shattered self-image, that we don’t have it all together after all.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe fear exposure, rejection, mockery, and exclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe wrongly presume upon God’s kindness, that a loving God does not send people to Hell. (Though God is loving, His holy nature cannot leave sin unpunished.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe feel we’re too great a sinner to be forgiven by God. Or we fall into despair and give up, having repented only to sin again and again. (Know God’s grace is greater than your last sin!)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe feel we have all the time in the world to get right with God. (We can have our fun now and repent later.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe feel going to church, obeying the Commandments, and doing good works is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PrintMyTract.com","offers":[{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 100","offer_id":67774650286328,"sku":"ama1792700127536","price":43.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 100","offer_id":67774650319096,"sku":"iov1792700127537","price":57.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 250","offer_id":67774650351864,"sku":"ouc1792700127538","price":60.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 250","offer_id":67774650384632,"sku":"gis1792700127539","price":89.38,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 500","offer_id":67774650417400,"sku":"ihf1792700127540","price":96.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 500","offer_id":67774650450168,"sku":"rkk1792700127541","price":148.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 1000","offer_id":67774650482936,"sku":"qbg1792700127542","price":136.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 1000","offer_id":67774650515704,"sku":"nux1792700127543","price":207.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 2500","offer_id":67774650548472,"sku":"niy1792700127544","price":279.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 2500","offer_id":67774650581240,"sku":"sgq1792700127545","price":372.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 5000","offer_id":67774650614008,"sku":"vua1792700127546","price":428.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 5000","offer_id":67774650646776,"sku":"heg1792700127547","price":700.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard (up to 3 weeks) \/ 10000","offer_id":67774650679544,"sku":"mgg1792700127548","price":720.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rush (1 week) \/ 10000","offer_id":67774650712312,"sku":"wpp1792700127549","price":877.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0829\/2954\/9560\/files\/what-is-repentance_1.jpg?v=1792700145","url":"https:\/\/opalcalfmachine.shop\/products\/what-is-repentance","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}