Rooted and Grounded

The idea that we need to repent is not new.   In the Old Testament, God speaking through the prophets, called the people of Israel to repent.  Jeremiah 25:5; Ezekiel 14:6, 18:3   After 400 years of silence, John the Baptist came telling people,  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  Matthew 3:2   From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus  preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Matthew 4:17  Jesus was emphatic about the fate of one who failed to repent.   “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. ”  Luke 13:3 and 5  In time, this became Peter’s message also.  Acts 2:38

What does “repent” really mean?  Is it the same as saying sorry?  Is it the same as asking for forgiveness?  Repent has elements of both being sorry and asking for forgiveness, but it is more.

Repentance:

• Requires you change your mind about your sin
• Requires you change your direction (turn in the opposite direction from the sin in which you were engage)
• Requires you take sides with God against yourself about your sin
• Requires you obey when Jesus says, “turn to me”