Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Repentance”, from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series – remember what happened in Samaria, when Simon believed and was baptized. When it was later proven that Simon’s heart was not right, Peter said to him, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). This teaches us that as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, the greatest gift we can give Jesus is a heart ready to repent at any given time. Notice that at this point Simon had already been baptized, but he still had issues that he needed to change his mind about and be sorry for. This tells us that even after salvation, there are still issues in our lives for which we need forgiveness.

Precious Ones, Paul teaches us that he “was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But 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” (Acts 26:19-20). In other words, the gift of pure repentance that we should give unto Jesus Christ cannot just be mere words or good intentions. Paul covered every area in which he was lead to minister at that time. This means that in every area of our lives, we must offer to our God manifested evidence, or “works”, that prove to our acquaintances that we have truly changed or “repented” of any issue that is against God’s will.

Chosen Ones, this is important, because many Christians are ready to “repent” in the areas of their lives that require no sacrifice. For example, when someone’s feelings are hurt, when there is a misunderstanding, when you step on someone’s toe, it’s easy to say, “I’m sorry”. However, what about the areas of our lives that require sacrificial “repentance”? What about those times when someone has violated us, when someone has treated us wrong for no reason, or when someone has lied to us or lied about us? Will we be ready to “repent” of the evil that vindication and retaliation wants to bring upon us? It is a sacrifice to “repent” (change our minds) and forgive someone who has brought pain to us wrongfully, but are we willing to do it?

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…
I love you all so very much,

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy