I was thinking about Repentance and its necessity for Salvation...
Of course, this is one of MANY places in the Bible where Repentance is mentioned. Isn't it funny (heartbreaking really) how despite that fact, there are far too many in Christianity today who don't preach Repentance?
Such a thought reminded me of this quote...
Like I said, these historical quotes from Bible scholars are nice, but the Word of God is so much better and has so much more to say (and choose from!)...
To emphasize what the Lord is saying here in the above verse, please read this...
Now, without getting too in-depth here, the above cultural reference is a little misleading because Repentance isn't "turning from sins" (merely "getting off the road"), but it means "to change one's mind" (more like "never playing on the road ever again") instead. Sure, some will say that both are the same thing. Not quite. "Turning from sins" is actually a RESULT of "changing one's mind", or the RESULT of repentance.
For more commentary on this very important subject, please pick up a copy of the Holy Bible and read it (mainly the Book of Acts, but definitely do a word search for the words "repent" and "repentance" and enjoy!), or you can also listen to the most recent podcast of I Want To Believe Radio called "What Is Repentance?" where we explored this topic in great detail.
God bless you and keep looking up!
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Luke 24:47 (KJV) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Of course, this is one of MANY places in the Bible where Repentance is mentioned. Isn't it funny (heartbreaking really) how despite that fact, there are far too many in Christianity today who don't preach Repentance?
Such a thought reminded me of this quote...
"There are many who speak only of the forgiveness of sin, but who say little or nothing about repentance. If there is nevertheless no forgiveness of sins without repentance, so also forgiveness of sins cannot be understood without repentance. Therefore, if forgiveness of sins is preached without repentance, it follows that the people imagine they have already received the forgivness of sins, and thereby they become cocksure and fearless, which is then greater error and sin than all the error that preceded our time."
-- Melanchthon
Like I said, these historical quotes from Bible scholars are nice, but the Word of God is so much better and has so much more to say (and choose from!)...
Acts 17:30 (KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
To emphasize what the Lord is saying here in the above verse, please read this...
"If my six-year-old daughter was out on the road playing in front of my house and I saw a huge truck barreling around the corner, what would I do in that moment? Out of my love for my daughter I would not gently invite her to step away from the street. I would COMMAND her to change her direction, and get off the road! Why? Because of my love for her. I know that the truck would not be able to stop in time and it would run her over and kill her. The same is true of the Father's love for us. Out of His love, He commands us to repent, because at any moment the truck of sin and death could run us over for playing on the road of rebellion!"
-- Rob Price
Now, without getting too in-depth here, the above cultural reference is a little misleading because Repentance isn't "turning from sins" (merely "getting off the road"), but it means "to change one's mind" (more like "never playing on the road ever again") instead. Sure, some will say that both are the same thing. Not quite. "Turning from sins" is actually a RESULT of "changing one's mind", or the RESULT of repentance.
For more commentary on this very important subject, please pick up a copy of the Holy Bible and read it (mainly the Book of Acts, but definitely do a word search for the words "repent" and "repentance" and enjoy!), or you can also listen to the most recent podcast of I Want To Believe Radio called "What Is Repentance?" where we explored this topic in great detail.
God bless you and keep looking up!
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6 Comments:
Another teaching I heard recently was that Repent and be Baptized is also not taught anymore. In the Acts of the Apostles, Repentance was immediately followed by Baptism. Whole families were baptized immediately after repenting. The Church should return to this again. Just think what a message this would send to the world!
I agree with you Rob. I would love to get baptized as an adult just as an act of obedience to the Lord, and as a public pronouncement of my faith, but sadly all the churches in my local area that would do that sort of thing REQUIRE that I become a member of their church and denomination first!
I'm sorry to hear that Jeff! How about outside your area? Maybe you can incorporate a vacation with a Baptism ceremony. I know of one minister who has a worship in the woods weekend retreat every summer in northern New Jersey who also performs baptisms in the lake. I went to one with my wife many years ago and the Baptism was a beautiful service. If you are interested, I will send you the link. Your whole family could be baptized together.
Find a pool somewhere and let a brother in Christ baptize you (-:
Yes, I would like to get that link Rob. Thank you.
Anonymous, someone else suggested that to me too. I'm ashamed to admit this publicly, but in my ignorance of Baptism I never knew that all it would take is another brother in Christ to do that, and that I pool would work.
Thanks for the help and suggestions guys.
In Christ,
Jeff ("JRed")
Jeff, here is the link that you requested. Wayne Monbleau is having a Worship in the Woods in October. It should be a beautiful setting with the fall colors. The lake may be cold that time of year but it could be a wonderful experience for you and your family. http://www.lovinggrace.org/retreats_seminars/retreats.html
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