Repent AND Believe

 Things I used to believe about God that now I believe were incorrect.

* for women only

Groundwork.

I believe God's word is infallible.   2 Tim 3:16. "All scripture is God breathed."  My church may teach something different.  I may disagree with God.  But in the end, His Word stands.

It is impossible for God to tell a lie.  Hebrews 6:18.  If I believe scripture is saying two opposite things, then I have misunderstood scripture or it was poorly translated/transcribed.

Now to today's past misunderstanding of scripture. 

Just believing in Jesus saves me.

I believe now, that this is a false, incomplete statement.

Scripture tells us in James 2:19. 

  "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe and shudder."

It is not enough to just believe in Jesus.  Even evil demons believe in Him.

Something crucial is missing.  What is missing?

Repentance.

Just as John the Baptist preceded Christ, repentance always precedes forgiveness.  Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of sins.

Luke 24:47.  "And that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."

So, what is repentance? 

 Repentance is sorrowfulness for our actions.  It is a change of mind.  Repentance is turning.

Repentance is not a casual one time "sorry".  It is a determined on-going change of mind and heart.

So who has told us in the Bible to repent?

John the Baptist  Matt 3:11. "I baptize you in water unto repentance...

Jesus :  Matt 4:17. "From that time [forward] Jesus began to proclaim and say, repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."

The 12 Disciples:  Mark 6:12. "And they went forth and proclaimed that men should repent."

Peter. Acts 2:38. "And Peter said to them, repent and each one of you be baptized upon the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Paul 2 Cor 7: 9. 

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to God, that in nothing you might suffer loss from us.

Who compels us to repent?

Jesus!

Acts 5:31. "This One God has exalted to His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins."

There is no repentance unless the Holy Spirit has pierced the heart of the sinner.

Romans 2:4. "Or do you despise the voices of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that God's kindness is leading you to repentance."

Who should repent?

Everyone!

Acts 17:30. "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance,  God now charges all men everywhere to repent."

You may think of yourself as pretty holy, but ask God to show you your sins.  You will likely be amazed (and overwhelmed - (as I was!)) at how much you sin.  Repent for each one and put each sin to death with the help of the Holy Spirit.

If reading these scriptures pierces your heart; Rejoice!  It is God's gift to you.  Repent of your sins and believe into the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of eternal life.  What should your next step be?  Immediately be baptized out of obedience and as a witness to your repentance to receive the additional gift of the Holy Spirit which will lead you and guide you.  Acts 2:38

Just as faith without works (evidence) is dead; repentance without a change in behavior is not true repentance.

Repentance brings us to God.  Jesus (because of His sacrifice) brings God to us. ~ Lee

Repentance -》believing in Jesus -》forgiveness-》salvation -》 eternal life with God.

* Scripture is clear that as a woman I am not to teach or have authority over any man.