Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of the theme from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Repentance”, let me say that our thoughts blind us to the righteousness of God, and cause us to hold to our ways rather than to prefer His ways. Beloved, our opinions and our righteousness are not useful in the eyes of the Lord. When you get the time, re-visit Matthew 3:9, Acts 2:22 and Acts 26:9). Beloved, genuine “repentance” will cause us to turn to God for deliverance from the things we find to be against His will, whether we agree or not. For example, you may not agree that when you get involved in someone’s life and tell them the right way to live, that it will have an effect on their future with God. If you think that “people aught to mind their own business, and let everyone live the way they desire”, you need to repent of that opinion. God’s Word tells us that “he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). In other words, Beloved, when you get involved enough to offer words of encouragement to the wayward person, you can deliver that person from the grip of spiritual death, and cause his sins, however many, to be covered by God, so that he could receive eternal life! Now, that’s not my opinion – you read it. That’s the Word of God.

Precious Ones, the scripture says that only “godly sorrow worketh repentance”. This teaches us to be careful to clear ourselves from any fear of being a help to another person. We are also taught that we need to “repent…from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). Beloved, “dead works” refer to “unprofitable works”. What profit is a Christian to God if God cannot depend on him to get involved and tell someone, “Cheating is wrong, honesty is right”, “Hate and bigotry are wrong, love and relationships are right”, “Jesus is the only true and living God, and all other gods are false”, “The greatest gift is the Holy Spirit, and all other gifts pale in comparison” – just to name a few.

Chosen Ones, if we don’t “repent” and place the priorities of God’s Kingdom first, we can’t change the world! Just as it is impossible for anyone to be saved from sin without “repentance”, likewise, it is impossible for the world to correct its wrongs if no one has the boldness to get involved and show them what is right. Beloved, I like what David vowed unto the Lord when he “repented”. I believe we should follow his pattern. David said to the Lord, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors (those who fail to do God’s will) thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:12-13).

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – it is my pleasure to serve you as a Pastor.

I love you all SO very much.

Pastor William L. McCoy