[Revelation] To the Church, Part 2預覽

Biblical Repentance

Metanoia is the Greek word used in the New Testament for repentance. It means a transformative change of heart. It means, therefore, a change of mind and heart, leading to a change of direction in one’s life. It is also the root word for metamorphosis, which denotes a transfiguration or transformation (the Greek word “meta” means change). It is not just a matter of the heart. We can often experience guilt and remorse when we acknowledge we have failed; however, guilt is not repentance, though sometimes it might lead to a true repentance. We may feel strong remorse when in sin, especially when we cannot break away from a strong habit in our lives.  

The prophet Isaiah gives us a word from the Lord: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18, KJV). This verse clearly talks about a radical and dramatic transformation. In the Old Testament, repentance is expressed in concrete terms, denoting a departure from the place where you lived, never to return, or returning only to destroy it. Therefore, repentance begins not with a feeling of remorse, but with an acknowledgement of how deeply we have failed our Lord’s commandments and with a decision to destroy and abandon the place of sin.  

Let’s think about pornography. Could we destroy our computer or cell phone, given it is the place where we engage in such a sin? Certainly not. If we have an alcohol problem, then it is easier to abandon the places and persons that facilitate our drinking. Whatever the case might be, repentance is a calling: A calling to a radical change. Such a change can only come from the liberating fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We must first seek to restore our sweet communion with the Holy Spirit through daily dependence on His guidance. How could we truly change our mind and heart away from the Holy Spirit? The problem is that sin, that habit, is precisely what keeps us apart from the fellowship with our Lord. Therefore, the first step is to seek to restore our quiet times of prayer and worship. And we certainly need help with that as well! 

Let’s begin the path to transformation by seeking a prayer partner. Nothing can help us restore and maintain our fellowship with the Lord as having a prayer partner and meeting together with other believers to keep on strengthening each other.  

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