THE OLD-FASHIONED “R” WORD

October 19 

The Lord is… not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

In the old days schools emphasized the “3 R’s” of “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.”  Hopefully we still do!   

In those same old days many churches emphasized the “3 R’s” of repentance, regeneration and revival.  We find “repentance” and “repent” 58 times in the New Testament from Matthew to Revelation.  Jesus began His ministry preaching, “REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17).  The apostles continued with that same theme (Acts 3:19; 20:21).  Finally in Jesus’ letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3), 5 of those 7 were commanded to REPENT! 

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a changed heart which leads to a changed life.  It’s turning from sin to God.  Who needs to repent?  In Acts 17:30, Paul told the philosophers and intellectuals of Athens that “God is now commanding men that everyone everywhere should repent.”  What does repentance involve?  First, we must admit without reservation “I am a sinner” (Isaiah 64:6). Second, we have to realize that Jesus Christ is our only hope (John 14:6).  Thirdly, we have a choice to make. Will I personally turn from my sin and trust in Jesus alone to be forgiven, saved and born again (Mark 1:15)?  True repentance is changing one’s mind and heart about sin, self and the Savior.   

The proof of repentance is an ongoing changed life until we get to glory (2 Corinthians 5:17).  All too often the essential need of repentance is forgotten or ignored in today’s Christian circles.  If we have not truly realized and repented of our sin, we are only playing a game. I trust that is not true for you! 

Bob Kulp