REPENTANCE – The Doorway to Salvation
Repentance is one of the most foundational yet often misunderstood elements of salvation. It is not merely feeling sorry for sin but a divinely empowered turning away from sin and turning toward God. Without repentance, salvation is incomplete—because the gospel does not only forgive sin, it delivers us from it.
What is Repentance?
The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, means a change of mind —a change so deep that it leads to a change in behavior. In biblical terms, repentance is, Acknowledging sin, Grieving over sin, Turning away from sin and Turning to God in faith
Repentance is not self-condemnation, but a work of the Holy Spirit that leads to life. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” ~Acts 3:19
Jesus and the Call to Repentance
The ministry of Jesus began with a call to repent,
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand — Matthew 4:17
Repentance was the first command He gave, and it continued to be the heart of the apostles’ preaching. Why? Because repentance is the entry point to the kingdom of God.
Repentance and Faith – Two Sides of the Same Coin
Genuine faith in Jesus Christ cannot exist without repentance. We do not come to Christ simply to get a better life—we come to Him because we recognize our sinful condition and need for a Savior.
➡️ Repentance turns us away from sin.
➡️ Faith turns us toward Christ.
Together, they define the biblical response to the gospel, “Repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Acts 20:21
The Fruits of Repentance
True repentance is not just words or emotions—it bears fruit, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” — Matthew 3:8
What are some signs of genuine repentance?
1. A broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17)
2. A desire to make things right (Luke 19:8)
3. A new way of living (Ephesians 4:22–24)
4. A hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
Why Repentance Must Be Preached
Repentance is not optional; it is a command,
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”— Acts 17:30
In a generation where sin is normalized and grace is often cheapened, the message of repentance must be clearly declared—not out of judgment, but out of love.
In conclusion, Repentance is not the end of your journey—it’s the beginning of life in Christ. It is the doorway through which we enter into salvation. And as believers, repentance is not just a one-time act—it is a lifestyle of humility, surrender, and transformation.
The big question tonight is, Have you truly repented?
God bless you.
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