The word repentance has become misplaced in the modern church.  Because of its unpopular tone, many have discharged it from their preaching; and those who do preach it perhaps do so with negativity and uncertainty.  We must know that repentance is not only a biblical concept; it is an essential truth for the regenerative life.

     John the Baptist preached repentance to the religious crowd of his day.  Jesus preached repentance as the means of entrance into the kingdom.  Peter preached repentance on the day of Pentecost as the church was birthed.  It is the remedy against the judgment of sin; Scripture teaches us that it is not God’s will that ANY should perish but that ALL should come to repentance.

     Repentance is not just a one-time occurrence that secures our eternal state (it is that); but it is also an on-going, continual part of the believer’s walk with Christ. It is the turning away from our sin, our world, our flesh, and turning to Christ by faith.  Paul refers to this in the third chapter of Colossians.  We are to “put off” the things of the world while at the same time “put on” Christ Jesus.  In essence, that is the heart of repentance – changing your heart and mind to the point that you allow God to change your ways.