June 1998 Issue

Repentance...

REPENTANCE is essential for the alien sinner

to become a Christian

by John Hains

Who Is Required to Repent?

Let me first begin by saying that it is so very important that we understand that ALL men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, ALL must come to the knowledge of the truth that they might be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4). This would imply that ALL must come to repentance (Acts 17:30). If ALL must come to repentance, it would be destined necessary to conclude that ALL are condemned and must repent of their sin if they are to be saved. According to the Holy Scriptures, this applies to both the Christian and those who have not yet obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Specifically - Let's Address The Alien Sinner

There seems to be a tendency and trend among brethren to ignore this very important truth, regarding the alien who would come to God, some brethren would teach a demonic doctrine that would allow some to remain in their sin after becoming a Christian. They would teach that certain sins must be repented of, but other sins are not necessary, such as the sin of adultery, or the sins that they were ignorant of at the time they became Christians. All accountable individuals are to give an account to God, all must answer to the one who made them, all will answer for their sins if not repented of, ignorant sins included! Whether it be one of the sins mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, or one of the works of the flesh mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21 or anywhere else in the Word of Almighty God. If you are not a Christian, you will be condemned, WHY? - Because of your unforgiven sins. And sins can only be forgiven by the blood of Jesus when people repent of their sins, please consider Matthew 11:21-22. In Acts 3:19, Peter said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…" The Alien sinner must repent, In Acts 2:37 we see these men (alien sinners) crying out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" In verse 38 Peter told them, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins." It matters not whether men teach or believe false doctrine on the subject regarding whether one must repent or not, God's Word will still be true, and men will still give an account to God for their unrepented sins and will be condemned because of them. Jesus came to save men from their sins, not in their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus also came to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Lost in what? SIN!

What Is Repentance?

Before a person is able to repent, it stands to reason, that he must first know what repentance is. Repentance has been defined as a change of mind or heart brought about by godly sorrow, and therefore resulting in a change of life or action. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says repentance "signifies to change one's mind or purpose, always, in the New Testament, involving a change for the better, an amendment, and always except in Luke 17:3-4, of repentance from sin."

These definitions are exemplified in Matthew 21:28-30. Here we see the parable of the two sons who were told to go and work in the vineyard. The first son said that he would not, but then, seeing the error of his ways, repented and went to the work. This son showed a change of mind changing his life.

What Does Repentance Involve?

Repentance first involves a person acknowledging his sins. If someone refuses to admit that he is sick (Mark 2:7), then he obviously will not see the need to repent.

Once a person acknowledges his sin, then this will then produce godly sorrow if the person's attitude is right. In 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 we see this idea taught. In verse 10 Paul writes: "For godly sorrow worketh repentance…" We can see that this godly sorrow will work or bring forth repentance.

Once a person has repented then he turns from the sin. If there is no change in the mind that then produces a change in life the person has not truly repented. True repentance always involves a change in the mind followed by a change in the person's life.

What a Lack of Repentance Brings

As we can see through this article, without repentance it is impossible to receive salvation. So for one who is not a child of God, no repentance equals an eternal torture and punishment in Hell.

For a child of God repentance is also essential. True repentance brings forgiveness of sins, and without forgiveness of our sins, we will receive death, a spiritual death in hell, as wages for those sins (Romans 6:23). For all men everywhere, repentance is required.

In conclusion, we have learned that repentance is required for everyone, and that this repentance will bring forth a change in both our minds and our lives. According to the Holy Scriptures, repentance is required of both the Christian and those who have not yet obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Editor's Note: Thanks to John Hains for the article! John can be reached at 7630 Newbury Road, Tipp City, Ohio 45371,(937) 669-4049 jhains@wesnet.com]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com