REPENTANCE...what do we do with that word?

Luke 24:45-47 "⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

Repentance is defined by many biblical scholars as a "change of mind", not a turning from sin.  It is understood that a changing of your mind also brings a turn away from the love of sin.  The Hebrew word in the Old Testament is nacham, which means "relent, repent or be sorry, change the mind."

Dr. John MacArthur writes, "Repentance is no more a meritorious work than its counterpart, faith. It is an inward response. Genuine repentance pleads with the Lord to forgive and deliver from the burden of sin and the fear of judgment and hell. It is the attitude of the publican who, fearful of even looking toward heaven, smote his breast and cried, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Repentance is not merely behavior reform. But because true repentance involves a change of heart and purpose, it inevitably results in a change of behavior."

CHANGE OF MIND = CHANGE OF HEART = CHANGE OF BEHAVIOR

Jesus says in Luke 24:47 that "repentance for the forgiveness of sin will be preached in his name." Repentance is truly the first word of the Gospel.  Being convicted of sin and changing your mind about your love of sin, to asking forgiveness of sin in your life.  Henry Blackaby states in the foreward of Richard Owen Roberts book Repentance (which I highly recommend that every believer read) that "Repentance by God's people is our only hope for any future generation."

Here is the challenge today:  1.  What is your view of sin?  the seriousness of sin?  Your sin? 2.  What is your view of Scripture and truth talking about sin, repentance and forgiveness?  This will have a direct effect of your view of sin.  3.  Is your pastor, preacher, Bible Study teacher preaching or teaching on this?  The disciples are told to here in Luke 24, so should we obey.

Blessings, Pastor Brian