It is true that numerous Bible verses speak of the promise of salvation with no mention of repentance. These verses merely say to "believe on Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful, and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1-2). Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ. The Scriptures speak of "repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). We turn from sin to the Savior. This is why Paul preached "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).  The first public word Jesus preached was "repent" (Matthew 4:17). John the Baptist began his ministry the same way (Matthew 3:2). Jesus told His hearers that without repentance they would perish (Luke 13:3). If belief is all that is necessary for salvation, then the logical conclusion is that one need never repent. However, the Bible tells us that a false convert "believes" and yet is not saved (Luke 8:13); he remains a "worker of iniquity." Look at the warning of Scripture: "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 John 1:6). The Scriptures also say, "He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whosoever confesses and forsakes their sin [repentance] shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13), Jesus said that there was joy in heaven over one sinner who "repents" (Luke 15:10). If there is no repentance, there is no joy because there is no salvation.  As Peter preached on the day of Pentecost he commanded his hearers to repent "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Without repentance, there is no remission of sins; (Repentance) It always includes an admission of guilt, a feeling of regret (sorrowful) for one's sins or misdeeds: TRUE contriteness, contrition, and also includes at least one of: a solemn promise or resolve not to repeat the offense) we are still under God's wrath. Peter further said, "Repent". . .and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). We cannot be "converted" unless we repent. God Himself "commands all men everywhere [leaving no exceptions] to repent" (Acts 17:30). Peter said a similar thing at Pentecost "Repent, and be baptized every one of you" (Acts 2:38).  If repentance wasn't necessary for salvation, why then did Jesus command that repentance be preached to all nations (Luke 24:47)? With so many Scriptures speaking of the necessity of repentance for salvation, one can only suspect that those who preach salvation without repentance are strangers to repentance themselves, and thus strangers to true conversion.  You must understand the ultimate death rate 10 out of 10 die.  Why?  We are all on death row because we all have sinned against a perfect and Holy God and broken his laws.  If you think because God is such a loving God he would not send anyone to Hell, dear brethren that is called false hope, sky divers don't step to the door of an airplane and believe in parachutes and hope they have one on.  The difference will be seen when they jump.  Dear brethren don't jump into eternity just believing in Jesus Christ you must repent and put Him on, even satan and his angels believe and tremble.  Just as a fire by its very nature and character must consume a dry leaf or paper, so God must by his very nature punish sin.  Have you ever told a lie? then you are a liar, Have you ever stolen, then in Gods eye's you're a thief, the Bible says if you have broken just one of God commandments / Law, then you have broken them all and you have to stand be for God on judgement day, doesn't matter if you believe it will happen or not, consider the parachute.   However God does not want you to go to hell, he sent his son to pay the penalty for you, that through his precious, atoning blood you may be saved.

This message is not saying, once you understand, repent of your sins and receive the free gift of salvation that you will be perfect and will not ever sin again, it means sin must be your enemy, not your friend, you must battle it, and not embrace it.   Dead fish (dead in our sins and transgressions) float down the river with the current, live fish battle against the current (sin) to victory (salvation).   This message to you has no agenda, not to join a church, a denomination, money, a movement, but your commitment of true repentance unto everlasting life.  Once you've forsaken your sins and are fully persuaded of your need for forgiveness, then and only then are you ready for the cross of Calvary, Salvation, Mercy, Grace, and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ unto everlasting life.  You don't need someone to pray a sinners prayer with you, and 1, 2, 3, you're saved, you need to confess your sins to God, speak in your own words from your heart, God sees your heart and even your thoughts.  If you need guidance read Psalms 51 and make that your prayer.  You are not reading this message by accident, "Behold Jesus stands at the door and knocks if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation3:20".  Today is the day of Salvation.

Published on 11/1/2006 11:08:57 AM