Repent
Repent
Repent, Repent, Repent!
Depart from evil. Turn from sin. Return to God.
Return to God by faith in Jesus.
God is calling us and He is willing and ready to accept our repentance... It’s never too late to repent. With repentance comes God’s Grace. The Blood of Christ will wash away even the darkest of sins. But we need to change our mind and attitude from the past sinful life and walk in a newness of life in the Spirit. Soften your heart. Repent from sin and return to God by following Jesus. Jesus is God in the flesh, and God the Father will not recognize you unless you honor the Son; See John 5:23
Humble yourself.
Let go of sin, pride and resentment. Realize that you’re a sinner. Our sins, no matter how big or small, will keep us away from God. Repent and call out to God. Ask for forgiveness. Repentance is the first important step and minimum requirement of Salvation. You must repent from sin to be saved.
Christ died on the Cross to take away your sins and the sins of the world. He did this to buy us back from the clutches of sin and death. God will forgive us but we must first repent and decide to follow Christ in obedience; Luke 9:23. Otherwise we deceive ourselves and God will not hear us.
To sin or not to sin? That is the question.
Repentance is to change your mind or attitude towards something. In this case it is sin. All sin leads to death. God is light, and He will expose all of our sins and flaws. A repented Christian lives in obedience to Jesus and will choose life and say no to sin.
Jesus is calling sinners to Repentance. Luke 5:32
While some are waiting on a miracle from God thinking he’s taking forever, God is actually waiting on us to repent. God is being very, very patient with us.
Resource: Merriam-Webster
Main Entry: 1re·pent
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈpent\
Function: verb
intransitive verb 1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind
In the last page we talked about sin. All of us have sinned in one way or another. All sin leads to death. God wants us to turn from sin and to return to Him in obedience. This is called repentance, to depart from evil; Prov 16:17. In return, God will forgive you giving you His grace freely. (Please do not confuse grace for an all expenses paid pass to sin, and continue sinning Rom 6:15-16. God is offering us grace and forgiveness from all sin, but in order to receive this gift we must humbly repent. That is admit you’re a sinner. Confess your sins to God and forsake them. Ask God for his mercy and help in Jesus name. After salvation repentance is daily as we put away the former life. A professing christian practices repentance daily. It is a command and fundamental doctrine of the Bible. Repentance is for everyone, including those in the churches. Even many so-called pastors need to repent from sin and misleading people through false doctrine. One such false doctrine that is spreading like wildfire is that we don’t need to repent to be saved only believe. Oh really? I guess then John the Baptist was being a little uptight when he preached repentance throughout the land?
The apostle Paul preaching in Athens
Ezekiel 33:11 King James Version (KJV)
11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Proverbs 28:13 King James Version
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Mark 1:14-15 King James Version (KJV)
14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
2 Timothy 2:25-26 (King James Version)
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
John 3:17-19 King James Version (KJV)
17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
1 John 2:1-3 King James Version (KJV)
1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
Luke 15:7 (King James Version)
7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:10 (King James Version)
10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Acts 20:19-21 (King James Version)
19Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:19-21 (King James Version)
19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
John 14:6 (King James Version)
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Isaiah 55:6-7 King James Version (KJV)
6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Luke 15:16-24 (King James Version)
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Acts 2:38 King James Version (KJV)
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 3:19 King James Version (KJV)
19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 17:30-31 King James Version (KJV)
30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Luke 13:1-5 King James Version (KJV)
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:1-2 King James Version (KJV)
2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)
14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Parable of the lost son.
(is about repentance and mercy)
The son was lost when he departed from his father, but he repented and returned. Note how glad the father was. He did not make the son go through a process to re-establish himself. God’s forgiveness and grace is instant. Not like people who hang on to bitterness and give them who are sorry a hard time to come back.
from CHICK Publications “King of Kings” Bible in pictures
Psalm 7:10-11 King James Version
10My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
11God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Psalm 5:5 KJV
5The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Isaiah 59:2 King James Version (KJV)
2But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Mark 6:11-12 King James Version
11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Jesus sends out the 12 disciples. Yes, they preached the gospel (good news), but it all starts with repentance.
Revelation 2:5 King James Version (KJV)
5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 3:3 King James Version (KJV)
3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 3:10 King James Version (KJV)
Revelation 3:16-20 King James Version (KJV)
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
The Parable of the two sons.
Highlighting repentance & obedience.
Matthew 21:28-32 King James Version (KJV)
28But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
1 John 5:11-12 King James Version (KJV)
11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Psalm 41:4 King James Version (KJV)
4I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
Luke 5:30-32 King James Version (KJV)
30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
31And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Jesus performed many miracles to demonstrate His Godly power, but it is our sinfulness He came to heal us from.
websiteforGod.net 2014
Repent or Perish.
Matthew 13:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Revelation 2:14-16 King James Version (KJV)
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 2:20-21 King James Version (KJV)
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Repentance is for everyone,
not just for people outside the Church but inside as well. In Revelation, Jesus writes to 7 different churches and he praises some and rebukes the rest. 5 out of the 7 churches received rebukes who fell away with instructions to repent and overcome from sin. These 7 churches are no longer in existence physically but their characteristics can be seen today in all of the churches. Examine yourself and your church. Are you doing what the Lord asks? Repent from sin and return to Jesus.
Jeremiah 3:21-22 King James Version (KJV)
21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.
22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.
SIN
1 John 3:5-10 King James Version (KJV)
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
1 John 5:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
John 8:31-36 King James Version (KJV)
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Breaking the chains of sin isn’t easy. But with Jesus’ help we can overcome temptations and our own corrupt body that wants to sin. How so? Through obedience to the Spirit. A God fearing man who lives by the Spirit will obey the Spirit and say no to the works of the flesh; Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:5-7, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Rev 21:7-8.
Colossians 3:5-7 King James Version (KJV)
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
Romans 8:13-14 King James Version (KJV)
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
John 9:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Ecclesiastes 9:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
John 1:51 -KJV-
These aren’t atheists or unchurched people here. These are people who snuck in the church who do not do what Jesus says. Reprobates. These are false prophets and false Christians. It does not say workers, but workers of iniquity in Luke 13:27. Jesus also said all plants that the heavenly Father did not plant will be rooted up; Matt 15-13. False prophets beware! Teaching believing in Jesus without repentance from sin is heresy; 2 Peter 2:1-3. Also them who attack “works”, saying, “those who are working hard to please the Lord are performers”. They don’t know what they are saying; Heb 6:10. We can indeed please the Lord. God is delighted in those who walk in his ways: Prov 11:20. We are so blessed to not only have the Word of God handy, but all those who call on the name of Lord in repentance and ask for his help will receive; mercy, the Holy Spirit, and wisdom; Luke 11:13, Isa 55:7, James 1:5, Eph 2:1-10.
Romans 11:22 King James Version (KJV)
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Hebrews 10:26-29 King James Version (KJV)
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 King James Version (KJV)
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2 Corinthians 12:21 King James Version (KJV)
21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
James 1:22 King James Version (KJV)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Psalm 119:10-11 King James Version (KJV)
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
1 Peter 2:25 King James Version (KJV)
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Jeremiah 3:12-15 King James Version (KJV)
12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever.
13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord.
14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Matthew 18:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Hebrews 12:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
James 1:12-16 King James Version (KJV)
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Church in Ephesus
Church in Pergamos
Church in Thyatira
Revelation 2:26 King James Version (KJV)
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Church in Sardis
Church of the Laodiceans
The Church of Smyrna, and Philidelphia did not receive rebukes to repent but to overcome and keep doing the works of the Lord faithfully until the end.
1 Peter 5:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
James 4:7-9 King James Version (KJV)
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Proverbs 14:27 King James Version (KJV)
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Jesus upbraids the unrepentant cities!
Matthew 11:20-24 King James Version (KJV)
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Psalm 66:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Repentance is a Command from God.
It is a fundamental doctrine of the Bible and a command from God to turn from SIN.
Psalm 50:22-23 King James Version (KJV)
22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
The 1st command Jesus gave in Mark 1:15 was
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel”.
I marvel (Gal 1:6-8) at how we have modern day pastors who think they know the scriptures more than than the Author Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, the 12 apostles and all the prophets of old by saying “you don’t need to repent to be saved, only believe in Jesus”. Believing in Jesus without repentance is simply not believing, and furthermore they are the ones in hot water for teaching this heresy. Please note the “Great Commission” given by the Master himself, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20 King James Version (KJV)
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 16:31-33 King James Version (KJV)
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Below is one of the verses they use to say “you don’t need to repent to be saved only believe”.
Please examine the context.
It does say “believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved”. Amen! Believe in Jesus and keep his word is what Jesus taught; Luke 11:28 . But I do not see where Paul then goes into detail about “belief only” and “not needing to repent”? No such doctrine is even inferred in the Bible. v.32 then says they spoke the word of the Lord to the jailer, which means he most likely explained the rest of the gospel to the jailer and then in v.33 they baptized him and his family immediately. In the next chapter of Acts 17:30 Paul explains to the people of Athens God’s command to repent. We have so-called pastors and teachers antagonizing the Lord’s commands. These are novice and unlearned people twisting scripture 2 Pet 3:16 who get one verse and turn it into an incomplete doctrine all by itself, disregarding the rest of the scriptures. I can only guess this is being taught in these so-called Bible colleges because this is where most pastors come from these days? A little leaven leavens the whole lump” says the word; Gal 5:9. When a person actually takes the time to study the whole word, not just one verse you’ll quickly find out the will of the Lord includes a sincere and humble repentance from sin to be saved. Salvation is for those who call on Jesus in repentance; Ps 34:18. The two go hand in hand. Other parts of the New Testament teach that simply believing in Jesus alone without works or repentance is a dead faith; 2 Cor 12:21, James 2:20. What good is believing in Jesus if you don’t do what he says? Preaching an incomplete gospel, simply believing without repentance from sin is a false doctrine. What about Catholics who profess Christ with their mouth yet deny him in works? Or the Amish, Mormons, Seven Day Adventists, and Jehovah’s Witness all believe in a Jesus yet deny him in works. Or homosexuals, fornicators, adulterers, thieves and liars (1 Tim 2:4) even in the churches? What about those who fall away into apostasy, backsliders? Lots of people claiming to be saved but they certainly do not show works meet for repentance? Acts 26:20. That is to say they have not yet changed their minds and attitude against sin or who’s minds are corrupt, backsliding further and further into the wide gate of destruction; Heb 12:4. Preachers, you must continue to preach repentance from sin until the appearing of the Lord! 1 Tim 4:16, 1 Tim 6:14. Jesus commanded that ALL his commands be observed; Matt 28:20.
James 2:14-20 King James Version (KJV)
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Luke 6:46 King James Version (KJV)
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Saved by grace and not by works.
But works aren’t counted out. James 2:24
Ephesians 2:8-10 King James Version (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
These same false teachers who say “we don’t need to repent to be saved” are twisting scripture in a destructive way by saying “since we are saved by grace and not works that repentance is works salvation”. Well the initial repentance isn’t works. It’s the changing of one’s mind and the softening of one’s heart. To turn from sin and say to God “I am sorry for being a sinner”, and that you need his help to turn things around and be a good person. Jesus will then come into your life and save you from your sins; Rev 3:20. God gives us free will to choose our path in life. We can choose to follow sin and error or follow Jesus in the light; 1 John 1:6. If you do decide to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior then you will obey him, and carry out great works in his name as a product of salvation; John 14:12.
Our works in the Lord are not in vain; Heb 6:10. These same false preachers who emphasis saved by grace, also attack doing works for the Lord. Saying, “God is not pleased with your hard work, so quit pretending or acting like your works please the Lord”. This all depends on the context of the situation. God rejects all works done outside of the grace of Christ. If you are not truly saved and adopted into the body of Christ your works are in vain; Matt 7:21-23, Matt 15:13, Titus 1:6. But works done after salvation are accepted by God and you will receive a reward; 1 Cor 3:8. One such false pastor calls hard working, obedient Christians “performers”. “You can stop performing to please the Lord, so just rest in his grace”, they say. Well I got news for you! Jesus will be rewarding his obedient servants, and casting out the unprofitable / lukewarm ones into outer darkness.
Matthew 25:21 King James Version (KJV)
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:26-30 King James Version (KJV)
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(If these false preachers only knew that the anger of the Lord is against them who are “performing” in front of people to appear godly. They want and get the VIP treatment while at the same time working iniquity causing the people to err by their lightness, their corruption, and their lies: Jer 23:32, Lam 2:14, Ezek 13:22).
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Matthew 23:3-6 King James Version (KJV)
Salvation is by grace. No matter how many works we do in life our sin is only washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. Works cannot atone for sin. Without Jesus you aren’t getting into the kingdom of heaven. Without Jesus covering our transgressions, all our works will be rejected regardless of how great or numerous they may have been; See Isaiah 64:6. But God has given us work to do. After we repent from sin and call out to Jesus and ask to make him our Lord and Savior he will save us. Now we have commands to follow and in the end Jesus will reward us according to our works whether they be good or bad. Those who love Jesus will live in obedience to him; John 14:21. Repentance is simply a change of one’s mind forsaking all forms of sin, not just unbelief. Repentance also includes a softening of one’s heart; Prov 28:13-14. The criminal on the cross did no works, but he did repent. He realized his sinfulness and gave his heart to the Lord. Repentance is what Jesus is looking for in your heart; Ps 51:17.
Psalm 34:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:10 King James Version (KJV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Revelation 2:23 King James Version (KJV)
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Luke 8:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Matthew 7:21-24 King James Version (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Hebrews 5:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
1 John 2:3-5 King James Version (KJV)
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
1 John 1:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
How do you explain Hebrews 5:9 to these false teachers who say “you don’t need to repent, only believe”? OK well it’s Matt 7:21 for them. check it out. Also Jer 23:32, Ezek 13:22.
Once you’ve repented, and confessed your sinfulness before God and ask for his mercy and help. God will save you. When God gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit you are sealed until the day of redemption. But we must maintain ourselves in the doctrine and love of Christ until the end.
1 Timothy 4:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Ephesians 4:30 King James Version (KJV)
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Hebrews 3:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
What does that say??? They went around preaching repentance toward God? Sounds very different from what some of today’s false shepherds are saying... “You don’t need to repent” they say.
1 Timothy 4:1 King James Version (KJV)
4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Departing from the faith is also called apostasy. All those backsliders, false teachers who change or corrupt the gospel or deny commands from Jesus are doomed to hell unless of course, they repent. See; James 3:1, 2 Pet 2:1-3
“For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of”
1 Timothy 3:16 King James Version (KJV)
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Luke 13:24-25 King James Version (KJV)
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Psalm 41:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 King James Version (KJV)
20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Romans 3:23 King James Version (KJV)
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Luke 17:3-4 King James Version (KJV)
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
1 John 1:8-10 King James Version (KJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
It says “ye that work iniquity”. Not “ye that work”. Work is not iniquity. It all depends on what type of work ye do? Some work righteousness, others work iniquity; 1 John 3:7-9
John 5:28-29 King James Version (KJV)
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Romans 2:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
The Great Commission.
Repentance is a command from God.
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:46-47 King James Version (KJV)
2 Peter 3:9 King James Version (KJV)
9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Habakkuk 2:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Timothy 2:19 King James Version (KJV)
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Proverbs 16:17 King James Version (KJV)
Preachers attacking works. Antagonizing all of the Lord’s commands calling them works. BELIEVE ONLY they say. Jesus and the apostle James cut down their misunderstanding of belief.
King David’s Repentance -Psalm 51
The Apostle Paul wrote many strong letters urging “Christians” to repent from sin and stay clean. That’s right! He wasn’t writing to non-believers, he wrote to the churches. He even felt he might of been too strong in some letters but then stood his ground and said they are needed to bring you to repentance.
4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Hebrews 4:1 King James Version (KJV)
The End Times tribulation
and Wrath of God to come.
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Matthew 24:21 King James Version (KJV)
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 10:22 King James Version (KJV)
Jesus is the ladder to heaven.
12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
Genesis 28:12 -KJV-
The church is made up of Saints, not unrepented sinners!
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 5:1-8 King James Version (KJV)
Paul is talking about leading out a sinning church member so he is not to corrupt the others. Today’s false shepherds, the ministers of Satan have long since snuck in and infiltrated the churches. They are trying to widen the narrow gate of Christ by accepting un-repented sinners and their perverse lifestyles openly in churches. Some churches are giving the red carpet treatment to the wicked, and giving righteous saints who fear the Lord and his word the boot; Ezek 13:22, Matt 23:34. You heard right! These churches specifically want newbies, the unsuspecting to indoctrinate them, but according to another gospel. Into the corruption of the apostate church. According to the scriptures, all have sinned, and all sinners are invited and welcome to hear the truth of Christ. Then they need to decide in their hearts if they are going to deny themselves and follow him in righteousness and obedience or keep their old sinful lifestyle and perish. They need to repent, then be baptized right away after this all important decision; Acts 2:38. This is called being born again and the start of a new life in Christ as a saint. Saints are the church, and we gather together as the church of God and do so in humility and reverence to the Lord, seeking to be edified by his word. After church all Christians go out to into the world to preach the message of the gospel to all living creatures, and not in word only, but in deed and in truth.
In summary about Biblical repentance. Repentance is to turn from evil and follow the Lord Jesus in righteousness. Repentance is mentioned all throughout the Bible. The Lord sent many prophets to Israel and neighboring countries and asked them to repent of their evil deeds. Humanity is cursed with evil. The people have evil minds and deceitful hearts and they live in sin. Sin leads to death. God sent his only begotten Son Jesus (The Lord Saves) to save his people from sin by paying for sin with his perfect blood and sacrifice. Jesus began his 3 year ministry with the command “Repent ye and believe the gospel”; Mark 1:15. Jesus gave many examples of repentance and what it means is to stop sinning or worse things will come upon you; Matt 5:30, John 5:14. Jesus said very clearly repent or perish; Luke 13:5. When Jesus sent out his disciples it was to preach repentance; Mark 6:12. The Bible not only says the word repent, but it also infers and describes what repentance is very clearly; Isa 55:6-7, Ezekiel 33:11. Jesus ended his 3 year ministry with the great commission and reiterates repentance as a requirement of salvation; Luke 24:47. The apostles obeyed Jesus and they preached and taught ALL of the Lord’s commands beginning with repentance from this perverse generation; Acts 2:38, 40. In the same way that the prophets and apostles of God contended with the false prophets of Israel who flattered the people, promising life to the wicked, we have modern day “so-called” pastors who are committing the same error; Isa 30:8-13, Jer 23:14, Ezek 13:22-23. “Beware of false prophets”, said Jesus, who antagonize and deny all of the Lords commands, saying “you don’t need to repent”, or get baptized, or keep any of the Lord’s commands, just believe only. Jesus and James put a quick stop to the “belief only” cult; Matt 7:21, Luke 6:46, James 1:22, James 2:19-20, 24, 2 Peter 2:1. Jesus is saving those who obey him; Heb 5:9.
