All In: Pre Baptism ResourceSample

Day 4: Why is repentance important?

We’ve talked through the importance of believing and confessing, so now let’s walk through the foundational piece of repentance. When spoken of in the early church, the word “repentance” was often paired with action. It was meant to prompt the believer to action, turning from sin and intentionally choosing to walk toward God.

In Scripture we read that repentance means “to change one’s mind which leads to a change of action.” It’s an intentional turning from your old ways of sinful thinking and living and turning toward the ways of God. It’s not meant to be a one-time action in the life of a believer but rather a daily, and if needed, minute-by-minute practice of faith. We read in Matthew chapter 4 that Jesus began His ministry on earth with this command,

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”-Matthew 4:17

Because we are all sinners, repentance is a necessary practice in the life of a believer. It’s a recognition of the depth of our sin-- a grieving of our souls and how that sin grieves the heart of God. When we see repentance as the way to restoration with God, we can then understand why it’s an essential step as we grow in our faith.

We read in the book of Psalms that a repentant heart is always accompanied by sacrifice.

“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.You do not want a burnt offering.The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” - Psalm 51:17

Repentance can be hard and require sacrifice, but it can result in incredible gifts from God.

• Repentance can lead to freedom and restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14).
• Repentance can lead to the refreshment of our souls and our sins being wiped clean through forgiveness (Acts 3:19-20).
• Repentance can lead to the gift of the Holy Spirit. That’s God living in us…His Spirit who produces fruit unlike anything we can produce on our own (Acts 2:38, Matthew 3:8).

Jesus said in Luke 15:7 that there is great joy in heaven when even one lost sinner repents and returns to God! When we take that initial step of repentance and practice it daily by turning toward Him, we embrace His grace and offer our lives as a living sacrifice each day. This life of freedom is one He greatly desires for us until we are united with Him in eternity.

Reflection:

• Why do you think repentance is important in your relationship with God?
• Which one of the gifts of repentance that are listed about have you most recently experienced?
• What is one moment in your life recently where you have intentionally practiced turning from sin and turning toward God?