"Repentance"

Preliminary Thoughts

Repentance is something that we don't hear a whole lot about today. It has almost removed itself from society in general and in many religious groups, it is an overlooked and unheard of requirement on the way to salvation. We are interested in seeing what God has revealed through the New Testament for us on this important subject. It was when the apostle Paul was addressing an audience of unbelievers (people in the world) that he stated: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31). He declares that there will be a judgment day, and the way to help avoid a wrong end in judgment is to repent now. John the Baptizer, who came before Christ, preached to people about the need to repent, but also expected that their repentance would be evident in their lives (see Luke 3:7-14, where he speaks of "fruits worthy of repentance"). John not only believed but also demanded that repentance should result in a change of activity and action, that could be observed in others.

The Main Story....

One of the greatest illustrations of repentance that we can relate to is found in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24). Let's consider it together. Jesus begins the story by telling us of a father who had two sons (v. 11). The record of the first son is found in the text we have cited, the record of the second son is found in the balance of the account (vv. 25-32). In simple terms, the younger son wanted his freedom and so asked for his inheritance and left his father's house (vv. 12-13). Off in a distant land, with his money wasted, he is hungry and desperate for something to eat. In his despair he begins to evaluate his situation and determines that home would be a whole lot better than what he has now. He is convinced that he can't go back and expect the place he had before leaving, but then again, even the servants back there have it better than I do. He reasons it out, and finally concludes it's worth the effort and so he heads back home. Upon seeing his father, he cries out his unworthiness and speaks of his contentment to just be one of his father's hired servants (vv. 14-21). His father calls for the best robe, and a ring, and sandals and desires that the fatted calf be slayed to supply a feast (vv. 22-24). You can read the finer details in the Bible account.

The Picture Of Repentance In That Account..

There are many, many lessons that can be drawn from that account, but our interest at this time is concerning the matter of repentance. Let's follow the account again, only this time, we will take note of the change between the land of where his substance was wasted and the presence of His father. His picture is our picture. From the relationship with God we desired to go on our own, do our own thing. The result was sin and separation from God (our Father). What brought him back to his father will bring us back to our Father as well.

Recognition Of Where He Was

"But when he came to himself" (v. 17), then, and only then, did he realize what he had done and how far he had fallen. It is only when we recognize that we are sick that we seek a doctor, and it is only when we recognize that we are separated from God by our sin that we seek salvation. But, recognition of our condition alone will not remove the sin or rectify the problem.

Regret For What He Had Done To His Father

It has been said that there are two types of sorrow over sin. There is "worldly" sorrow in which the person regrets only that they were caught, and there is "godly" sorrow which causes one in reverence to admit they have offended God, despised His will, and rebelled against Him. Only godly sorrow leads to repentance (see 2 Corinthians 7:10). But, godly sorrow alone is not to be construed as repentance. This young man in our account had to have enough sorrow to cause him to humble himself and return to his father, and so it is with us.

Resolve Of Mind To Make The Changes

We are familiar with resolutions, we make and break them every New Year's Day. The resolution we speak of is one that is put into action. It involves giving one's mind over to doing something right. The young man's resolve is found in verse 18-19 of our account. Our own resolve ought to be to quit doing what we have been doing and to get right with God. But, resolve alone will not bring repentance, there must be additional activity.

Reform Of Life Demonstrates Repentance

In our Bible illustration, it is only when this young man decides that even being a servant is better than being a starving, proud son that he seeks to reform his life. It is when we realize what life is like without God that we decide to reform our life and activities. We leave behind the old and head toward the new. As a result, repentance will be evident in our lives and actions. But, simply making up our mind to reform our lives will not bring about repentance or change of circumstance, we need something more.

Return To The Father

The prodigal son finally summoned the courage to admit he was wrong (recognition), humble himself in mind to be sorry for what he had done against His father (regret). He made up his mind (resolve) and decided to change his life (reform) and at that stage he made the final action necessary to complete his repentance, he returned to his father.

His Wonderful Reception From His Father

It must have seemed a long journey from that far country to home, but the prodigal made the trip any way. He had lots of time to ponder what might be or could be, but he would not be turned aside. Can we begin to imagine the pleasant feeling that would well up in his heart when he rounded that last bend (on his road home) and saw his father running to meet him. Instead of anger and rejection he found "compassion" and "kisses" on his father's part (vv. 20). He made his appeal and spoke of his unworthiness to be called a son, but the Father called for the best robe, sandals, a ring and the fatted calf. What a joyous occasion this was! What a grand reunion. What a wonderful surprise. Yes, God is willing to receive us back to Himself. Why will we keep Him waiting?

Better Than Any Homecoming...

"Let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (v. 24). He only hoped to be as a hired servant but instead he was joyously received, honored with the greatest honors, and treated as one who had come back from the dead, or as one who had been found after being lost. Have you repented of your sins? The Father in heaven would like for you to come back home....I know He would...because He loves you and sent His Son to invite you to come back home. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24), let us encourage you to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Just as in the Bible account, your Heavenly Father will be watching, waiting and longing for your return. Won't you come back to Him today?.