Message from Scripture: 3/8/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 13:3, 5, both of which say, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus reminded the people of His day, using the exact words in these two verses, of the need of repenting if one desires to be saved. Some equate sorrow with repentance. While repenting does involve a godly sorrow, repentance is more than simply being sorry for doing something wrong. To repent of something is to engage the entire person in making a change in one’s entire self. It is a change of mind, which creates a change of heart, which brings about a change of life. Paul reminded the church in Thessalonica how so many knew they had “turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9), which is a great example of repentance.

The very nature of repentance demands one abandon a life of sin to seek the righteousness of God instead, if one would find salvation in Christ. On the day of Pentecost, those who realized they had killed the Messiah asked Peter and the rest of the apostles what they should do (Acts 2:37). Peter responded, “Repent, and be immersed every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the forgiveness of your sins” (2:38).

Repentance is not a onetime act, something one only does to obey the gospel. It is part of a lifestyle in Christ, something done throughout one’s life to have a spiritual walk that pleases God. We are faced with many temptations throughout our lives, and we should always examine ourselves, repenting of those things in our lives that do not please God. Repentance must be a constant part of Christian living, as we seek to become less like the sin around us, and more like the Father in His holiness (1 Pet. 1:16). Let’s encourage each other to do better today than yesterday, and even better tomorrow. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert