KNOWING AND FOLLOWING

KNOWING AND FOLLOWING

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." — Hos_6:3.
SOME PEOPLE do not seem to desire to advance in the knowledge of God. They have not seen the heavenly vision. Religion to them consists in saying, over and over again, the same prayers that they have used for years, and reading a prescribed portion of Scripture. This is better than nothing, but they cannot appropriate David's comparison between himself and the hunted deer that pants for the water-brook, or our Lord's blessing for those that "hunger and thirst after righteousness."

But with others, there is a longing for a further advance. Like the Apostle, they are pressing toward the mark, though it seems to evade them and to recede! They are like the blind man, on whom our Lord wrought the miracle. First, he saw men as trees walking, dimly appreciating the glory of perfect vision; but, presently, as those dear hands touched him again, he saw clearly. Is there one who reads this page who does not long for this clear vision, this knowledge of God! Let us not desist in our quest, but follow on! When the last lesson is learned, the last and deepest surrender taken, the final act of faith accomplished, the partition will remove, and we shall know what Pascal meant when he wrote: "The world hath not known Thee, but I have known Thee. Joy! Joy! Joy! Tears of Joy!" "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (1Co_13:12).

God has a Way of His own for each of us. "His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain." Some are smitten by a sudden sense of the reality and vision of the Eternal World, that hides behind the veil of sense. Others, as they partake of the Bread and Wine of Communion, have such a vision of the love of Jesus, that they are more than satisfied. At any time a heavenly door may open before the knock of the seeker; or, we may suddenly look up and see His face, and exclaim with St. Paul: "The Lord is at hand!" We shall see His hand beckoning to us, and we shall arise and follow into that world of reality and love that is so near, but sometimes seems so far!

PRAYER
Lord Jesus! Give us this second sight, we beseech Thee! Lift us up, by Thy strong arm, above the mists and darkness of the valley, to walk with Thee on the high level of Thy manifested presence and glory. AMEN.

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

A Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. (Isa_11:1-2)

In this prophecy of the Messiah, we are told how the Lord Jesus (walking upon earth as a man) would function in order to manifest godliness. He would live by this prophetic promise: "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him."

The Holy Spirit operating in Jesus would be to Him "the Spirit of wisdom and understanding." No one ever displayed wisdom like Christ. Whether dealing with the woman taken in adultery (Joh_8:2-11) or answering provoking questions about Caesar's image on a coin (Luk_20:20-26), He wisely circumvented every attempt to undermine His ministry. Jesus also demonstrated perfect understanding. When confronting the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees (Mat. 23:13-35), He applied perfect discernment, exposing the corruption of their hearts.

Operating in Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of counsel and might." Jesus was truly the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isa_9:6). When counseling Nicodemus, the religious ruler (Joh. 3:1-21), and the Samaritan woman at the well (Joh. 4:7-42), He fully gave them what their hearts were seeking in the truths they needed to hear. Also, Jesus distinctively exhibited the might of God. Whether boldly speaking to calm the raging sea (Mar_4:35-41) or courageously remaining silent at His trial (Mat_27:11-14), the mighty power of God was on majestic display.

Ministering to Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." No one ever possessed knowledge like the Lord Jesus. "Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men" (Joh_2:24). "Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father" (Joh_13:1). Jesus not only had thorough knowledge, but that knowledge was always controlled by "the fear of the LORD." Everything that Jesus ever did was under the full influence of His godly fear (reverential trust and loving respect) toward the Father. "The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" (Joh_2:17).

Remember, all of these wondrous expressions of Jesus' character were based upon the enabling work of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him." This same Spirit of God can bring forth in our lives every appropriate application of these same realities manifested in the life of Jesus.
Who is like You, O Lord? Who could ever match Your majestic character—certainly not me. Yet, I need manifestations of such fruit in my life. Please work deeply in me by Your Holy Spirit, producing such Christlikeness, I pray, in Your holy name, Amen.

FAITHFUL CREATOR

FAITHFUL CREATOR

"Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a Faithful Creator." — 1Pe_4:19.

THE MORE one ponders these words, the more wonderful they appear! That God is faithful is as clear as noonday. He is faithful in the return of the seasons and the orbit-order of the stars; faithful in holding back the flood, that it should not overflow the world and destroy the homes of men; faithful to every living creature that He has made, providing for its exact sustenance. Even the odd sparrow, which Christ must have seen thrown in by the dealer, when His Mother bought four others, does not fall to the ground without His notice. God is the Faithful Creator in the heavens above and in the earth beneath. We are not surprised, therefore, to find His faithfulness the theme of Holy Writ; but why does Peter lay emphasis on His faithfulness as Creator, when ministering to the special

circumstances of suffering believers? Is not this the reason? We are apt to concentrate our thoughts on the Birth, the Cross, the Grave, the Intercession of our Lord, and to forget that behind all these, deep in the nature of God—the Almighty Creator—there are ever-welling fountains of faithfulness, love, and tenderness. We are summoned to go back beyond the story of Redemption to the infinite silence of Eternity, when each of us was a distinct thought in the mind of God. In His book, all our members were written, when as yet there was none of them.

Whether we have realised that eternal purpose is open to serious questioning, but everyone of us has a right to look into the face of God, and say" "Thine hands have made me, and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments." We may not question God's dealings with us. They are immutably wise and right. But we may claim that in some way He should make good our deficiencies, so that though sorrowful, we should be always rejoicing; though poor we should make many rich; though having nothing, we should scatter our wealth, as though possessing all things. There is no reason why our life should be a failure, no reason why we should not minister richly to others, no reason why, by His grace, we should not be more than conquerors! We may humbly make this claim on the Almighty Creator, and He will not allow His faithfulness to fail!


PRAYER
Help us to commit ourselves to Thee in well-doing, O God, our Faithful Creator. May we find a solace for our own griefs and disappointments, in sympathy and ministry to others. AMEN.

The Crucial Choice: Flesh or Spirit

The Crucial Choice: Flesh or Spirit

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Rom_8:5-6)

The crucial choice that believers in Christ face day by day is between living by the flesh or living by the Spirit. The difference concerns facing life by our resources and perspectives or by God's. "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." When a Christian deals with life by his flesh, he typically thinks about "what I want out of my life" or "what I can accomplish with my life." Conversely, when a Christian deals with life by the Spirit, he typically thinks about "what God wants for my life" or "what God can accomplish through my life."

The consequences related to this choice are monumental. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." When a believer allows his mind to be set in a carnal direction, he will be thinking about worldly self-indulgence ("what I can get out of this") or religious self-accomplishment ("what I can do for God"). The result of either carnal perspective is "death" (spiritual deadness). On the other hand, when a follower of Jesus sets his mind on heavenly matters, he will be considering issues of humility ("how much I need the Lord") or faith ("how great the Lord is"). The results of such spiritual thoughts are "life and peace" (spiritual vitality and spiritual tranquility).

Another analysis of these two options can be seen in the contrast between the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit." When we put our hope in our own capabilities, our flesh produces deeds such as "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like" (Gal_5:19-21). Contrariwise, when we place our expectations upon the Lord, His Spirit brings forth through us fruit like "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal_5:22-23).

Consider this fundamental truth. These "flesh-Spirit" choices are what all of us will face every day of our lives. The persistency of these issues is inherent in the fact that God only offers two options for every issue of life; namely, "live according to the flesh" or "live according to the Spirit."

O Sovereign Lord, I bow to Your wisdom and authority that offers these two choices alone. Lord, I renounce the natural path of my flesh which brings severe, but deserved, consequences. I gladly embrace the supernatural path of Your Spirit, which brings the undeserved results of Your grace at work in me, Amen.

Thou art not far from the kingdom of God

Thou art not far from the kingdom of God

And Jesus said unto him, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mar_12:34)

Standing at the west end of Monumental Park with a group of happy pilgrims taking in the sights and sounds of God’s amazing Grace, we heard a fellow in our group call out and ask, “Are we there yet?” His voice was a bit strained, and betrayed a measure of mild exasperation.

“What do you mean?” a fellow traveler asked.
“The Place called Grace – are we there yet?”
Everybody was stunned. I must admit that I myself was a bit perplexed at this fellow’s disconnection to the moment. How could he not know where we were?

“Dude, we’ve been here for quite awhile!” somebody else in the group replied.
Realizing this guy needed help, I then said, “At the start of our Journey I told you all that we would be traveling far to a place that is nearby; and once we are there, you will realize that we’ve actually been here all along. Remember me saying that to you?”

“So, are you saying we have arrived?” the fellow then asked.
“You’re the only one who can answer that,” I replied. “Grace is a place where you experience a power because you have met a Person.”

That Person is the Lord Jesus, the King of Grace and Glory. The power is the incomprehensible influence of His redeeming presence in all things, at all times. And the Place of Grace is everywhere humble men and women live freely to do God’s will fully.

“So, let me ask the question a different way,” I then said. “Have you arrived?”
The perplexed brother stared at me in silence.
Perhaps a short story will serve to illustrate my meaning.

Years ago at a youth camp the guest speaker presented a compelling message for surrendering our all to Jesus Christ. What made his talk so compelling was the glow upon his face. This was real to him; and we could tell. He was “standing in a place called Grace.”

At one point in his message he told us about an experience he himself had at this very camp years earlier when he was a student. He had taken a walk into the woods after an evening meeting and found a spot where he fell on his knees and cried out to God, “Oh, God! Do in me anything You need to do, so You can do through me everything You want to do!”

The power of the Holy Spirit fell upon him as he prayed, and he rose to “walk in newness of life; empowered to love and serve the Lord.”
We were riveted by his story. One student approached him after our evening meeting and asked, “Preacher, can you take me to that spot?”

“Certainly,” the camp preacher said, “Follow me.” And they headed off into the woods. After they had walked for several minutes, the student asked, “Are we there, yet?”
“We’re getting close,” the preacher said. And they walked on further. And again, after some distance was covered, the student asked, “Are we almost there?”

“It won’t be much longer,” the preacher said. “It should be just a little bit further.”
They walked on deeper into the woods, getting farther and farther from camp. The young man grew increasingly restless, and asked once more – “Are we close to that spot?”
“It shouldn’t be too much further,” the preacher said.

After several minutes of more hiking, the student fell to his knees and cried out in desperation, “Oh, God! I can’t wait any longer! Do in me what you did in this preacher!”
God’s presence suddenly flooded the young man’s heart, as he wept for joy. And the preacher smiled and said, “There’s the spot, right there!”

Get it? Grace is a place where you experience a power because you have met a Person. Nobody knows but YOU when that moment occurs. It is that moment when you realize that you cannot, and you will not, live another day outside this place called Grace.
So let me now ask the question — “Have you arrived there yet?”

TRUTH ABOUT WATER BAPTISM

IS BAPTISM ESSENTIAL?  

KEY SCRIPTURE:  Mark 16:16

Baptism is an essential part of Salvation!  Without it you cannot be saved.

“The FIRST MESSAGE preached by the apostles resulted in a command for EVERYONE to be baptized. ACTS 2:38.  The LAST MESSAGE preached by Jesus was a COMMAND to baptize all nations. (MATTHEW 28:19.”  (Quote from Lewis Manuwal’s booklet “Water Baptism according to The Bible  and Historical References”)

Baptism, according to the scriptures, instructs us to be completely immersed in water.  The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptiso," meaning “to plunge, bury or immerse.”  Baptism must be by immersion! (The next lesson will cover this very important point.)

Three reasons why we should be baptized:

#1)  Baptism is Commanded

·         Matthew 28:19

·         Mark 16:15 - Baptism is part of the Gospel message!

·         Acts 10:48 - Peter commanded those who had repented of their sin and received the Holy Ghost to be baptized.

#2)  Baptism Saves

·         I Peter 3:20, 21

·         John 3:5 - You cannot enter into the kingdom of God without being baptized.

·         I Corinthians 6:11

·         Galatians 3:27

#3)  Baptism remits sin

·         Acts 22:16

·         Luke 3:3 - One must first repent before he is baptized.  You must first acknowledge your sins, ask forgiveness, and then have them washed away  through the act of baptism.  Baptism is for the “remission of sins” (Acts 2:38-41).

·         Hebrews 9:22  The blood of Jesus Christ must be applied to remit sins.  What then is the Biblical way to receive remission of sins? This also is the only way to get the Saviour’s blood applied.

·         Colossians 2:11-14

·         Titus 3:5

Baptism was spoken of (foreshadowed) in the Old Testament.  “For a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.” (Numbers 19:9)   “But if he washed them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.” (Leviticus 17:15-16)  In other words, if you are not baptized you shall bear your sin and be exempt from heaven.  Exodus 30:20 states, “wash with water that thou diest not.”  If the priest did not first wash at the laver, he would be smitten dead.

HOW SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

KEY SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 3:16

BAPTISMAL MODE: IMMERSION IN WATER

As mentioned in the previous lesson, baptism comes from the Greek word “baptiso” which means “to plunge, bury or immerse.”  The definition of the word alone tells us that any other method is incorrect.

The word “immerse” means “to plunge or dip.”  Baptism is a type of the Lord’s death and is the only method that retains this biblical symbol of baptism as a burial.

·         Colossians 2:12

·         Romans 6:4

SHOULD YOU BE IMMERSED or SPRINKLED WHEN BAPTIZED?

IMMERSION	SPRINKLING
MUCH WATER John 3:23
INTO THE WATER Acts 8:39
BURIED IN WATER Romans 6:4
PLANTED IN WATER Romans 6:5

                 

The early church definitely taught and practiced baptism by immersion.  If you were not baptized this way then you need to be.  Ephesians 4:5 says, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

INFANT BAPTISM?

As with sprinkling, infant baptism cannot be found in the New Testament church. 

Matthew 28:19 says, “Teach all nations, baptizing them...”

Acts 8:36,37 - The Ethiopian Eunuch asked, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?”  Philip responded, “If thou believest with all thine heart.” 

·         Believing is a prerequisite of baptism (Mark 16:16).

One must first understand and then believe.  You need to repent before you are baptized!  (Acts 2:38)

Baptism should first be understood by the person.  A child should be old enough to receive teaching, believe, and repent of his or her sins before being baptized.                                        

Based on the Word of God, we are able to conclude that the only biblical method of baptizing people is by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NAME IN BAPTISM

KEY SCRIPTURE:  Acts 4:12

Salvation is in the Name!

ONE NAME

·         Matthew 28:18-20

·         Zechariah 14:9

·         Matthew 1:21

·         Luke 24:47

·         John 5:43; 14:26

What is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? - JESUS.  You will discover how the early church baptized by reading Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; and 19:5.

Is it proper to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?  Or can we only use the name of Jesus?  Let us go to the Word of God and see what the Apostles either taught or preached  concerning water baptism.

IN JESUS NAME	TITLES
JEWS - Acts 2:38
SAMARITANS  Acts 8:16
GENTILES - Acts 4:12
PETER TAUGHT Acts 4:12
PAUL TAUGHT  Colossians 3:17

“Matthew 28:19 was a command by Jesus to baptize in a NAME.  The Apostles did not repeat the words of the command, but they did obey it as seen in the scriptures above. Since Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles of the manifestations of the Almighty Spirit and His body, the Apostles understood His SAVING NAME to be JESUS.  Can any dare say that the Apostles disobeyed the Lord, or failed to baptize properly?  THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST IS LORD JESUS CHRIST.  The actions of the Apostles in the Book of Acts prove this to be true.”

(Quote from Lewis Manuwal’s booklet “Water Baptism according to The Bible and Historical References”)

SIX REASONS WHY WE BAPTIZE IN JESUS NAME:

(1) To take upon ourselves the family

      name (Ephesians 3:14-15).

(2) The Church began with the

     teaching of this doctrine (Acts

     2:38).

(3) This teaching has been continued

     over the ages of time by the

     Church  (Acts 2:42).

(4)  It is followed by a Promise (Acts

      2:38).

(5) His name is GREAT (Malachi 1:11).

(6) Purged our sin for His name’s sake

     (Psalm 79:9).

THE BRIDE MUST TAKE THE BRIDEGROOMS NAME!

NO NAME, NO CLAIM!

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM

KEY SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians 2:1

We have both seen and understood that water baptism in Jesus Name is essential!

But what is the biblical significance?

#1.) God remits sin at water baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

#2.) Baptism is part of the new birth experience (John 3:5; Titus 3:5).

#3.) Baptism indicates that we have died out to sin by repentance and are burying our past sins and sinful lifestyle (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).

#4.) Baptism places us into the family of Christ (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5).

#5.) Baptism allows us to enter into the New Covenant relationship with God. It is part of our spiritual circumcision (Colossians 2:11-13).

BIBLICAL REASONS FOR BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME

1.      The Apostolic Church followed this formula exclusively (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16).

2.      Baptism is a burial with Jesus   Christ and no one else (Romans 6:4).

3.      Baptism is a personal identification with Jesus Christ.  His name identifies us as His possession (Romans 6:3; Acts 15:14,17).

4.      Baptism is for the remission of sins, and Jesus is the only name associated with remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 10:43).

5.      The name of Jesus represents all the power and authority of God and makes it available to us (Matthew 28:18; John 14:14; Acts 3:6, 16).

6.      Everything we do in word or deed should be done in the name of Jesus  (Colossians 3:17). Baptism is both word and deed.

7.      Jesus is the highest name known to mankind, and every knee shall bow to that name (Philippians 2:9-11).

8.      Baptism is part of our salvation.  Jesus is the only saving name (Acts 2:21; 4:12; I Peter 3:21).

9.      Baptism is the outward act of an inward confession; signifying the acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour (Acts 8:12; 8:37).

10.  Baptism in Jesus name signifies belief that the fullness of the Godhead is in Jesus (Colossians 2:9).

11.  Baptism in the name of Jesus demonstrates reverence for and obedience to God’s Word over human tradition.

12.  The modern Trinitarian doctrine is not taught in the Bible.  Therefore, there is no theological justification for a triune baptismal formula.

Baptism is more than a symbolic ceremony and public declaration of joining the Church.

By reading the Word of God and observing the actions of the Apostles and the early church, it becomes obvious to us all that the Jesus Name formula for water baptism is the only way to be baptized.

Baptism saves, identifiesand remits!

THE TRUTH ABOUT REPENTANCE

WHAT IS REPENTANCE?

KEY SCRIPTURE:  II Corinthians   7:9,10

Repentance means to turn away from all sin; to change one’s mind.  It brings about a change of attitude, action and lifestyle. In Eddie Jones’ tract, “The Truth About Repentance”, he wrote that ”The nature of repentance is not only a turning from, but also a turning to.  It will cause a person to stop a wrong action and begin a right one.”

·         II Peter 3:9

·         Genuine repentance is brought about by a “godly sorrow” (II Corinthians 7:10).  Before one can repent, he needs to feel sorrow for his  sins.  He must be sorry not because his sins have been discovered but because he has broken God’s commandments and grieved God through his acts of disobedience.

WHO PREACHED IT?

A large portion of the following material was taken from the book “Repentance - An About-Face!”  A Seach For Truth Publicaiton.

In the New Testament, the first person we hear calling men to repentance is John the Baptist (Mark 1:3-4).  Then later on in this same, chapter we see that the first message Jesus preached after John the Baptist had prepared the way was “Repentance” (Mark 1:14-15). 

“The first commandment to come from the lips of Christ was  to repent.” 

The first thing one will do when he or she really believes is repent!  This is the first step towards salvation.  True repentance produces results.  It is  telling God (and others) we are sorry and showing our sorrow by turning from sin. The proof of true repentance is the fruit it bears (Acts 26:20).

The third group (person) in the Bible who preached repentance were the disciples. Matter of fact, they were commanded to preach this message (Mark 6:12).

When Christ appeared to His disciples in Luke 24 after His resurrection, He commissioned them to take this glorious Gospel to all the nations of the world.  Notice that the first word in Christ’s message was “repentance” (Luke 24:47).

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter’s first response to the question: “What shall we do?” was to REPENT!  (Acts 2:38)

All throughout the New Testament we see that the first response of man to the Gospel is repentance.  Nothing else can take its place. 

Repentance is a command from God.  A command means “to order or demand with authority.”  Our supreme authority, Jesus Christ, demands that we first repent in order to be saved.  It is not an option.  He commands “all men everywhere to repent.”  (Acts 17:30)

IS REPENTANCE NECESSARY?

KEY SCRIPTURE:  
Acts 17:30

Repentance is a commandment from God.  And any command that we receive from God must be obeyed. 

·         Jesus said in Luke 13:5 “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  Repentance is vital to the plan of salvation! 

·         Ezekiel announced “Thus sayeth the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” (Ezekiel 14:6)

·         John the Baptist preached “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)

We know that repentance is a commandment from the Lord.  It is the building block upon which our whole Christian experience is built on.  For without true repentance there can be no forgiveness or remission of sins.

Repentance causes a chain reaction:

REPENTANCE => BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME => HOLY SPIRIT => VICTORIOUS LIVING => HEAVEN. 

However, without repentance, the rest is not possible.

HOW DOES ONE REPENT?

A large portion of this material was taken and revised from a tract entitled, “The Truth About Repentance” by Eddie Jones.

#1  CONVICTION OF SIN

Before one can truly repent, he must have an understanding and acknowledgment that he is guilty of sin (Romans  3:23; 5:12).

1 John 3:4 - The law is God’s Word.  Whoso commiteth sin transgresseth  the law; therefore, they sin against God and deserve the punishment of death (Psalm 51:4; Ezekiel 18:20).

·         Romans 6:23

Unless a sinner repents he will stand condemned before God on the judgement day and will be lost forever (Luke 13:3; Jude 15; Revelation 21:8).

God’s Word will reveal our sins to us  as we study it. This knowledge will bring conviction.  Remember Acts 2:37, when the people heard God’s Word they were pricked (convicted) in their heart. Another experience that adds to conviction is God’s chastisements.  He said in Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”  Conviction of sin may bring an uncomfortable feeling of shame and guilt, but if this is followed by true repentance, it will lead to great rejoicing!

#2  GODLY SORROW

There must be feelings of deep sorrow, regret and remorse over sin when a person truly repents.  One should not sorrow for personal hardship brought on by sin, but rather remorse over the hurt he has caused a loving, forgiving God.  

·         II Corinthians 7:9,10.

·         Joel 2:12;  Psalm 34:18 

#3  WILL TO REPENT

Read what the Prodigal son had to say in Luke 15:18.  If a sinner is willing to repent, God is willing to forgive him of his sins (Acts 3:19).

#4  PLEAD FOR MERCY

Psalm 51:1- The first thing David prayed for was mercy.  Divine forgiveness is not based upon how good we are but on the love and mercy of God. “...While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).  Luke 18:13 - In approaching God, we must cast ourselves without reservation (not holding back) upon His mercy.

#5  CONFESSION TO GOD

Proverbs 28:13 - A person must be honest and admit (confess) his sins openly to God.

I John 1:9; 2:1  We must specifically name our sins to God and admit our wrong actions if we want His forgiveness.

“The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.” (Quote from the book, Repentance-An About Face! - Lesson 2, A Search For Truth Publication)

When we confess, there must be true repentance (turning from sin and turning toward God), otherwise our sins will not be forgiven.  True repentance involves a godly sorrow.

It is easy to confess and not repent.  But real confession hurts and always involves repentance. 

ILLUSTRATION: Children often confess without repentance. For instance, if you caught your little girl taking a biscuit off the shelf at the store.  She would immediately say, “I’m sorry. Please do not spank me.”  She really is not feeling sorrow for what she did.  She is sorry she got caught and uses the words, “I’m sorry” to prevent punishment or rejection. 

Often we confess or repent of a sin that we did because we do not want to make God angry and we believe it will take away our feeling of guilt. 

But after a while we go back and do the same thing over again.

The sure sign of confession and repentance is a change in our behavior.

#6  FORSAKE ALL SIN

“Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit.” (Ezekiel 18:31) 

Jesus said to the woman taken in adultery, “...Go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11).

·         Other references: I Thessalonians 5:22; II Corinthians 6:14-17; I John 2:15-16; Titus 2:11-12.

When we repent, we crucify our sinful nature at an altar of self denial and begin a new life in Christ (Romans 6:6; Mark 8:34).  Paul wrote in Romans 6:1,2 “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid, How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” 

·         I John 3:4-9

#7  ASK GOD FOR FORGIVENESS

·         Hosea 14:2;  I John 1:9

After a sinner has surrendered all to God, the only thing left to do is ask God to forgive you for all of your sins.

#8  RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS

Matthew 6:14  If you want to be forgiven by God, you must forgive others.

·         Once you have asked for God’s forgiveness, you must simply accept it and forget your sinful past (Philippians 3:13,14).

·         Isaiah 1:18   

·         Psalm 86:4

REPENTANCE, REMORSE OR REFORMATION?

KEY SCRIPTURE:  Romans 2:4

A lot of this information was taken from a book entitled, “Repentance-An About Face!”. A Search For Truth Publication  “Except Ye Repent”

The first two lessons have given us a clear understanding of the word repentance. 

“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:3-4)

The word “repented”,   found in verse three does not mean repentance.  It comes from a Greek word that means: emotion, remorse or anguish.

Judas definitely felt a lot of anguish and remorse for betraying Jesus Christ.  Yet he did not experience true repentance.  He did not change his mind, his course, or his direction.  Instead of returning to Jesus for restoration, he went and hung himself.  Judas’ remorse and despair led to self-destruction. This was not repentance; it was remorse.

True repentance brings about a change. 

For example, look at the life of Peter.  He denied Jesus three times in Luke 22:54-62, but afterwards, when he realized what he had done he repented. He did not stop with emotions of regret.  He changed his ways and found a deeper relationship with his Lord.

Repentance will always bring about a change.  It will make you a better person and free you from guilt, shame and remorse.

Remorse is a feeling of deep regret, of hopelessness and even despair.  But it does not lead to real change. It does not help us believe in God.

Repentance causes us to turn away from sin and helps us have faith in God to be filled with His Spirit.

Remorse is destructive; it turns us against ourselves.  Repentance gives life by helping us turn to God (II Corinthians 7:10).

Repentance is more than Reformation

To reform means to “improve one’s character or conduct; to become better; to behave better; to give up misconduct; to make better by removing faults or defects.”

When one truly reforms, he starts to live a better life from that moment on.

Although reformation is good, it does not change or erase the past.  It still leaves all the sins we have committed on the pages of God’s record book.  It still leaves the sinner under the sentence of eternal death.

Suppose that a criminal who has broken the law several times and is guilty decides to reform.  From that moment on he decides to obey the laws of the land.  This is good, but it still does not take away the guilt of his past crimes.

If he is caught or if he surrenders to the law, he will still have to pay for his past crimes, unless he is given a pardon.

Psalm 51:1 tells us that we were all born in sin (iniquity) and guilty of death (Romans 6:23).  But through repentance, Jesus has given us a pardon. 

True repentance brings about an immediate change in a person’s conduct. There is great joy and forgiveness in repentance (I John 1:9).

When we look at the Old Testament, we learn that the prophets of Israel were continually calling their nation to repent from idolatry and return to God.  Many of the kings of Judah brought about a reformation (they tried to improve or correct the faults in their nation).  They destroyed many idols and stopped many evil practices that were abominations to the Lord.  But the hearts of the people were not turned to God.

Conditions may have appeared good on the outside, but nothing had changed in the hearts of the people.  

God is never happy until the root of sin in our heart is removed from our lives and we are transformed (true repentance).

Sinners may stop drinking, fornicating or committing adultery and other sinful habits, but that will not bring about salvation.  Only the Holy Spirit can change us within to make us  new creatures in Christ.

Reformation changes only the surface or the bad habits men can see.  Repentance changes the heart.

LIMITED TIME!

There can be no repentance after death.  The time for repentance is now.  No one knows how long he or she will live.  Therefore, it is not wise to say that you will repent later.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27,  “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

If you have done something that has caused you to feel remorse, that is not enough.  You still need to repent and make things right.

Do not allow sin to remain in your heart. It will keep you out of heaven. 

But this is not the Lord’s will.  He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9).

THE RESULTS OF REPENTANCE

KEY SCRIPTURE:  Luke 15:7, 10

A large portion of the following material has been taken from the tract “The Truth About Repentance,” by Eddie Jones.

#1  Great Joy

When the Prodigal son repented, there was much rejoicing (Luke 15:23).

·         All of heaven rejoices when one sinner repents! 

·         Knowing that God gives forgiveness of sins to all who confess openly brings us great joy.

·         In Acts 8:5-8, when the Samaritans listened to the preaching of Philip, there was great joy in the city. 

#2  New Birth

The new birth experience consists of two elements:  water and spirit.  When a sinner repents of his or her sin, that old sinful nature is dead and the believer is ready for the “new birth”. 

Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

Repentance is the seed from which the new birth experience stems from.

A. Water Baptism

When we repent of our sins, we are dying out to the old nature.  And naturally, following a death there must be a burial. 

The old sinful man must be put away.  “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death.” (Romans 6:4) 

·         Colossians 2:12

Repentance must be followed by water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38). 

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling upon the Name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

B.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit

According to Romans 6:5; 8:11, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a type of the resurrection of Christ.

Jesus tells us in John 14:17 that the “world” cannot receive this experience.  What Jesus meant was  those who are unwilling to give up the carnal things of the world, through repentance, cannot receive this wonderful gift. A  person cannot receive the Holy Spirit before repentance. 

The requirements for receiving the Holy Spirit are repentance and faith. 

Repentance must come before water baptism and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit completes the new birth experience and makes us new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh,... and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26,27)

The Holy Spirit is promised to all who obey the Word of God (Acts 2:4, 38, 39; 5:32).

Simply repent and claim God’s promise of forgiveness.  Your burdens will begin to lift as  you confess your sins before God and start to feel His love and mercy.  A natural response to this feeling is to worship God, who in turn will pour out His Spirit upon this repentant, believing, worshipping person.

#3  Total Cleansing

Jesus said, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (I John 1:7)

·         I Peter 1:19; Revelation 1:5)

When God cleanses us from all sin we are totally clean!  It is as though we had never committed a sin. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

RESTITUTION

Restitution is an important part of repentance. True repentance will produce restitution (Luke 19:8).

Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary defines Restitution as “the right of giving back to the rightful owner; a giving of something as an equivalent (of equal value) for what has been lost or damaged.”

At times, true repentance is expensive.  One who repents may have to return something he has stolen, or ask forgiveness for something he has said. 

The repentant person changes.  He not only says he is sorry he did wrong, he stops doing wrong.

Guilt and condemnation are heavy weights to carry around.  Guilt makes one feel ugly, unhappy, lonely and hateful.  Suppose I gave you a brick to carry for the rest of your life. 

Although the brick was not really heavy when I first gave it to you, the longer you carry it, the heavier it becomes.  So it is with unrepented sins.  The longer you wait to repent, the harder it is.

This applies not only to those who have never repented, but also to those who have received the Holy Spirit.  Repentance is not something we do once like graduating from Senior Secondary School.  It is something we do again and again, like taking a bath.  It is possible to pick up little sins here and there.  We need to repent (unload) daily.

If you have something wrong (maybe no one knows about it but you and God) and it is weighing heavily upon your mind.  Why not repent of it today?  If you need to take something back, or pay for something, or tell someone you are sorry, do it today.  Get it off your mind and let the Lord blot it off your record.

The results of true repentance:

Release

Excitement

Peace

Enthusiasm

New nature

Thankfulness

Acceptance

No guilt

Comfort

Energy