Gregory T. Jacobs
 
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Lately, I have been evaluating what I believe and why I believe it.  It is the classic definition of Apologetics.  So many people do not know what they believe, but rather what they are told to believe.  In order to have a heart felt conviction, it is imperative that you take personal ownership of whatever it is you are believing.  For purposes here, I am talking about Christian convictions.  Any good pastor will tell you not to just take his word for it, but to study the scriptures yourself to verify what is being taught.  So many pastors on tv today do not even use the Bible, but spew "Pop Christianity."  It is the newest and latest version of whatever is enabling mega churches to grow so exponentially.  This is not to say that mega churches can't be effectual, but rather that many show you how to "Live your best life now" and forget to show you the cross and the way to repentance. 

I would like to talk about the difference between forgiveness and repentance.  They go hand in hand, but are so rarely taught.  Forgiveness occurred 2000 years ago, when Jesus died on the cross for your sins.  So many people think that it happened at the time that you Believed and accepted Jesus free gift of salvation By Grace, Through Faith.  It actually took place on the cross.  Jesus died and bore all our sins on the cross at Calvary.  That means that all past, present, and future sins were covered and paid for.  I have always said the following when I sinned: "God forgive me and I repent of my sins.  I ask you to wash them away with your blood."  Here is the problem with that mentality.  God does not die on the cross again each time that you sin.  It only occurred once, and it was FINAL.  The other problem with that theology is to simply imply that repentance can occur at the point of confession.  Yes, James 5:16 does say, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  This however is not to be confused with when the forgiveness took place, or anything to do with repentance.

Repentance is the act of doing a 180 away from the sin that so easily entagles you.  If you have a weakness of going to a watering hole (whatever sin that might be: Lust, Pride, Selfishness, Anger, Covetousness, etc...) then the act of repentance is turning from your wicked iniquity and not returning to it.  So if you go to the watering hole, you can't simply confess repentance verbally, and then go back to the same watering hole tomorrow.  The act of repentance takes place in the heart.  True repentance is proven the next time we are standing in front of the watering hole, but choose not to drink and to flee from its presence.  That Is Repentance.

In 1678 John Bunyan wrote a classic novel entitled Pilgrims Progress.  Unfortunately, not many people have read it, even though it is a best selling classic.  There is a character in the book entitled "Pilgrim."  As Pilgrim is walking down the path of life, he is confronted with an exit ramp that leads straight to a slew of  bright lights.  The name of this place is aptly named: "Vanity Fair."  As he walks through this place, he realizes how vile and filthy it is.  He quickly leaves this place and gets back on the road of life.  As he travels down the straight and narrow road, he is once again confronted with Vanity Fair.  However, this time he remembers that it was a trap waiting to ensnare him, and wasn't the glitz and excitement that it appeared to be from afar.  He rejects the possibility of betraying his path, but instead puts blinders on his eyes and refuses to be enticed.  THIS IS REPENTANCE!!!

Understand that Forgiveness has already taken place, and the price has been paid.  Also understand the true meaning of repentance, and don't keep going back to the watering hole...
 


Comments

Ray Henderson

12/15/2009 10:04:34 am

Good word Greg !! Being a pentcostal, I still see some people that claim to have been saved and lost several times. It's just not true. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, " nuff said". I used to wonder how He could bless me today when He knew that I was going to sin tomorrow. I finally realized that it was because my sins: past, present, and future are forgiven.

 

Brad Carter

12/15/2009 12:29:59 pm

Greg, these words you have spoken are so true. I used to pray the prayer forgive us of our sins all the time, but now I don't. I name the sin and confess it and try not to go down that road. It's so easy to say we are sorry, but so many times we don't mean it. One has to have a desire and willingness not to go down that path that looks alluring , but is filled with deception and destruction. Walking in a relationship with Christ is a daily thing. You can't attain that on a once a week encounter at church. We often tend to go through the motions of life instead of getting serious about our walk with Christ. Life sometimes brings heartache, but in the midst of that we can rise up out of the despair and gloom and learn from our mistakes. I had to go through the fire before i realized how apart from God i really was. My life will never be the same because now i have an assurance of Salvation. It's awesome to know where you are going without a doubt!

 

Shawn Farley

12/16/2009 12:02:45 am

Greg - I disagree with you on the point of forgiveness. At the time of Jesus' death, access was granted for all people to God, thus the ripping of the shroud from top to bottom in the temple. There exist too many references showing forgiveness coming at the point actually of baptism, though belief may be the same point.

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Act 3:19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.

Act 10:43 He is the One all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name."

Act 13:39 Everyone who believes in Him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do.

Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Luk 24:47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.'

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

1Jn 1:9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1Pe 1:22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.

Yes, the offer of forgiveness was made through the saving work on the cross, however, it is still incumbent on each of us to accept the gift.

 



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