"Except Ye
Repent Ye Shall All Likewise Perish"
(Luke 13:3)
As one studies the Bible, he quickly sees that where there is no repentance there is no salvation! Jesus said, “I tell you Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance has always been a part of God’s message to man. Jonah preached repentance (Jonah 3:4-5). John the Baptist is another example of one preaching repentance (Mark 1:4). Peter on the day of Pentecost preached the necessity of repentance (Acts 2:38). Paul informed the Athenians of the command of repentance (Acts 17:30-31). Christians who sin are instructed to repent (Acts 8:22). The message to the seven churches of Asia was repentance (Revelation 2-3).
There are many false concepts as to what constitutes true, genuine repentance. For example, some believe repentance is just being sorry. However, one may be sorry they were caught doing wrong and not truly repent. Paul informs us, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Therefore, repentance is not just being sorry. Nor is repentance simply making a confession. Neither is the fact that one prays is evidence they have repented. Because one has decided to reform his life does not mean they have repented. Some have the idea that if they start carrying out good works that this is evidence they have repented, but not necessarily so. Others affirm that they have repented because they have a mysterious feeling. Still some believe they have repented because they are gloomy or regret things they have done. An examination of Matthew 27:3, where Judas is said to have “repented” proves otherwise. Neither is repentance merely being aware of sins or of being fearful. Some believe if one were to move away and start afresh that they have repented. Now, these things do not, in and of themselves, constitute true, genuine repentance.
What then is involved in genuine repentance? Repentance is a “change of mind” (W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 279-280). This change of mind results in a change of conduct. Heaven’s description of repentance is recorded in Matthew 21:28-29: “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented and went.” Thus, the man had a “change of mind” that resulted in a change of conduct. It is really amazing, that many do not have any difficulty in seeing that genuine repentance demonstrates itself by restitution, except when it comes to marriage, divorce, and remarriage!
This raises the question, “How can one know that true, genuine repentance has taken place? At this point, someone is bound to say, “You have no right to judge whether anyone has repented or not.” It is true that no one has the right to judge another’s motives (Matthew 7:1-2); however, one can make a righteous judgment. Jesus said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Such judgment is based upon scripture. For example, there is the judgment of the church based on scripture regarding disorderly members (1 Corinthians 5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). One can recognize by the way Christians walk (1 John 1:7) if they have been “overtaken in a fault” and to “restore such an one” (Galatians 6:1). By searching the word of God, one may determine (make a judgment) if truth is being taught (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). One can use the word of God and judge if one is a false teacher (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 John 9-11).
How then does one demonstrate that they have repented? John said, “Bring forth therefore fruits, meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Of Paul’s preaching, Luke records, “…that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20). What did the Thessalonians do in demonstrating their repentance? The Bible says they “…turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). In Acts 19:19 the Ephesians burned their books of witchcraft thus showing they had repented. The Corinthians repented of their sinful practices as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
What brings about repentance? Some try to use psychology to bring about repentance. Others think if we just show people we love them that will cause them to repent. Still others believe if they move to a different city or change congregations that this will bring about repentance. My friends, the word of God informs us as to what brings about true, genuine repentance. For example, what caused those on the day of Pentecost to be pricked in their hearts (Acts 2:37)? What caused the murderers of Stephen to be “cut to the heart and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54)? What caused the Samaritans to obey the gospel (Acts 8:12)? What was the rich man told that would persuade his five brethren (Luke 16:28-31)? What means did God use to get the seven churches of Asia to repent (Rev. 2-3)? The answer, of course, by the proclamation of God’s word repentance is brought about!
Paul tells us, “that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4). Truly the opportunity to repent is indeed a great blessing. In Acts 11:18 we read, “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Furthermore, repentance is something that is of a personal nature. No one can repent for someone else.
Observe what repentance is joined to. Repentance is joined to faith, “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Repentance is joined to conversion, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is joined to baptism, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin…” (Acts 2:38). And repentance is joined to prayer, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22).
Not only does the love (John 3:16), mercy (Ephesians 2:4), goodness (Romans 2:4) and grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9) call all to repentance, but God’s severity as well (Hebrews 10:31)! When one considers how beautiful heaven is (Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5), and how horrible hell is (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46), surely that is motivation enough to repent!
Beloved, are there un-repented sins in your life? Remember, Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3)!
By: Ivie Powell