Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Repentance” – Paul’s final message to the saints of Ephesus was 20/20 vision. He said, “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:20-21). Beloved, I’m glad God left a record of what true men of God preached in the Bible, as opposed to the messages that are taught from pulpits across the world today! Paul’s teaching was not shallow – it was not about material things that eventually will corrupt. On the contrary, Paul taught the Ephesians how to “repent” – a principle that will usher them into eternal life. Beloved, a penitent heart is “profitable” to anyone, whether you are a “Greek” Ephesian or a Jerusalem “Jew”. Anyone who “repents” and turns to God places himself in the hands of God, to do whatsoever He wills. In the book of Exodus, God shared His will with Moses. God said, “it shall come to pass, when he (that) crieth unto me (shall cry), that I will hear; for I am gracious.

Precious Ones, the scripture teaches us that “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of (in other words, godly grief and pain are permitted in order to produce in us a repentance that leads to salvation)” (II Corinthians 7:10). Paul teaches us that it is in the challenges and obstacles of everyday life that we will discern the goodness of God which leads us to repentance. Paul goes on to say that if we, by a “hardness (of) heart” refuse to repent, then we “treasurest up (store up)…wrath…unto (ourselves)” (Romans 2:5). This means that any of us would prefer to go our own way, and be deceived by our own thoughts, rather than turning from our self-righteous ways. Beloved, let me tell you that true “wrath” comes when your mind plays tricks on you, persuading you to believe that you have done nothing wrong, when in reality you have sinned! Many souls are lost today because they thought they were right, but a penitent heart will always be open to be directed by the Lord, and thus will “never die”. Jesus said, “whosoever…believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:26).

I will write more on this subject next week. My love for this congregation grows stronger every year.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy