At times, the most basic and fundamental things tend to fly over our heads. Things that seem very elementary are not given the same weight of thought as other notions branded otherwise. Repentance is as fundamental as they come and yet through my conversations with a number of people; Christians and believers-to-be, most of them can’t grasp the real essence of it. And yet, in its simplicity, it is a very significant factor with our walk with God. Here are 3 points that sheds light on what repentance truly is:
1.) What Repentance truly is:
Repentance is the turning point that leads to a life towards Christ rather than a life leading to sinful human desires. It’s your life’s “U-turn” that leads you back to God, and like that option in the road, it takes a conscious effort to take (Luke 13:1-5). This is the first step in Chirstian lives and therefore there is no salvation without repentance. Always keep in mind that repentance is not a single act, but instead is an effort throughout a lifetime to continually choose God over the sinful nature of the flesh.
2.) How we can truly repent (Joel 2:13):
Let’s go right ahead and smash this common notion: There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between an APOLOGIZING and REPENTING. You can’t just say “Whooops, sorry for that, Lord” and think that it’s repentance. True repentance is rooted in valuing God over everything else, even over your own self. What’s the difference you may ask?
If repentance were centered on oneself, one would fear God’s retribution or the consequences of the sinful act. But Christ-centered repentance is a realization that sinful thoughts and acts do not honor God and therefore steers one away from Him. It’s the desire to have more of God in your life rather than sin. It is only when we turn our back from sin and instead consciously steer our lives to holiness can repentance be achieved.
Repentance requires a conscious and decisive action that considers the keeping away from sin throughout one’s lifetime.
3.) What it means for us (Acts 3:19):
Sin leads to death. This is an inevitable fact. Failure to repent keeps you on that carnal and worldly road that leads to nothing but destruction. Perceived substitutes or distractions may take your attention from it for a while, but the destination will always be the same. Repentance is an essential part of our walk with Christ. So as we move forward with our lives, let us always be mindful of the road our lives are leading to. Let our the road we are on always be towards God and not anywhere else.
