3 Reasons Why Repentance Is So Important
Discovering Why Repentance Matters
In the first of his Ninety-Five Theses, Martin Luther reveals the impetus for his writing and posting of the now infamous document: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance”(1). In the church, we often talk about the significance of faith, confession, trust, and the like. However, repentance is often given superficial treatment or even ignored. Yet, when you read the Scriptures, repentance is emphasized as a critical ingredient in both becoming a Christian and following Christ.
1: Christ Commands Repentance
Jesus’ first sermon in the Gospel of Mark highlights the call for repentance. Mark records it simply and succinctly: “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel’” (1:14-15,ESV). Jesus proclaims the heart of the Gospel: “repent and believe.” Turning from sin to Christ is a crucial ingredient to becoming a Christian. There’s simply no salvation apart from repentance.
“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”
2: Believing Is Not Enough
The first two verses of Acts 10 state: “At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.” Luke describes Cornelius in four positive descriptions. Cornelius is devout, fears God, is generous, and prays often. Yet, believing in God, along with regular demonstrations of good works are not enough to be justified before God. To illustrate this reality, later in Acts 10, God orchestrates both a vision for Peter and men from Cornelius’ house searching for Peter so that the first Gentiles might be saved. Peter comes to Cornelius’ house and preaches the Gospel. While he is preaching, the Holy Spirit descends upon them and Cornelius and his household are gloriously saved. Peter recognizes this beautiful reality and baptizes each of them, giving public confirmation to their salvation. At this point, you might wonder, “What does all this have to do with repentance?” Acts 11:18 reveals the response from the church in Jerusalem. “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life’”(2). It is believing AND repentance that is necessary for any who wishes to obtain eternal life.
“It is believing AND repentance that is necessary for anyone who wishes to obtain eternal life.”
3: Repentance Is A Hallmark Of A Christ Follower
The remarkable evidence of authentic repentance is that a person keeps on repenting. It is the lifestyle of the converted that gives away the genuineness of their conversion experience. This evidence marks a person as to whether they are a true Christ follower. As J.I. Packer explains in his book Growing in Christ, “What is crucial, however, is that the marks of conversion—faith and repentance as principles of daily living—should be found in us; otherwise, we cannot be judged Christians at all, whatever experiences we may claim. Thus, the converted lifestyle is more significant than any conversion experience”(3).
So, how do I know whether I have truly repented? Ask the following questions…
Do I genuinely love Jesus?
Do I have genuine sorrow over my sin?
Do I regularly repent of my sins?
Honest answers to these questions will go a long way to reveal whether repentance is present and authentic in your life.
Luther, Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, 12.
Emphasis mine
Packer, Growing in Christ, 124.
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