Repent

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19)

What does it mean to repent? The dictionary definition says: “Feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.” So, as we look at our lives today, let’s consider three things about repentance.

First – You take responsibility for your sin. You don’t blame it on others or say, “That’s just the way I am.” No, you own up to it. The Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We all sin and need to admit it.

Second – You turn away from those things. We usually know what those sins are and, if we don’t, we need to ask God to reveal hidden sins in our lives. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says: ”If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,…and turn from their wicked ways,” then God says He will forgive our sins. It’s an “if/then” process. We have to vow to make an effort to put those sins aside. God will help.

Third – You turn toward God and his grace. By turning toward God, we pray to Him admitting our sin, vowing to turn away from it and asking God to forgive us and strengthen us to fight the battle. And, it IS a battle against the enemy! By the Grace of God, which is to give us something we don’t deserve, He will respond with His unimaginable love. The Bible says, “Let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the LORD. Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven and say, ‘We have sinned and rebelled’” (Lamentations 3:40-42 NLT). If any of us feel the need to repent today, please do so. Our loving, forgiving, graceful God is standing there with open arms. This message is for those who are not saved AND those who have sinned and need to repent again. Don’t wait; you may not have another chance.