Have you ever struggled with a particular sin, and you didn’t know how to break free from it? So many of us find ourselves stuck in sins; for instance, we could be trapped in sins like selfishness, greed, pornography, lust, anger, or gossip. We know these things are wrong, and we truly don’t want to take part in them; however, we just can’t find our way out.
I believe the key to having a breakthrough when it comes to turning from sin is the word “repentance.” Repentance really gets a bad rap, and even bringing up the word to you may conjure up a negative connotation or even fear. Maybe the church you grew up in had a pastor who was constantly yelling, “Repent!” at you. Maybe you have only seen the word on a sign that someone was holding on a street corner.
What is Repentance?
It’s so unfortunate that repentance has gotten such a poor stigma attached to it because it’s absolutely essential to your getting unstuck in your spiritual life. The Greek word for repent is metanoó and means to do a 180 and turn around (or go in a different direction).
If we could fully understand what true repentance is and what Jesus offers us through the gospel, I believe we would get unstuck from our sin. The gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and it is impossible to spend eternity with Jesus apart from faith in the gospel and repentance.
What will repentance look like?
When Jesus started to preach, repentance was only the beginning of the spiritual life. Yes, it guarantees eternal life with Him in Heaven, but in Matthew 3:2, He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
What Jesus meant was that the kingdom of Heaven was close enough to grab. Jesus taught that you and I can experience living in His kingdom right now. We don’t have to wait until we get to Heaven to experience the benefits of our repentance. Our lives can be filled with peace and joy every single day. Here are three truths about repentance that we should keep in mind.
3 Truths About Repentance:
1. Repentance is a doorway.
When you repent, you are walking away from your own life into a completely different “room” or way of life. You are signifying that God is now in charge, and His way is best. Psalm 119:59 says, “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.”
2. Repentance is a pathway.
I wish I could say that repentance is a “one-and-done” practice, but the reality is, repentance is never-ending. There are patterns you have developed over years, and they don’t die hard. We have to walk the pathway of repentance every single day and submit to God’s leadership. God will reveal areas of sin when we ask Him to. Psalm 19:12 says, “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.”
3. Repentance brings joy.
Joy and peace will immediately flood into your heart when you repent and turn from your sin. Then, you will be cleansed from your sin (1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”), and the shame and guilt will be gone. No longer will you feel the discouragement and bondage that shame has locked you in because a sweet, fresh intimacy with God will be enjoyed. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
What do you need to repent of? What sin has been plaguing you and kept you trapped in shame and guilt? It’s time for you to do a “180” and turn around. Turn away from your kingdom and calling your own shots and surrender to God’s way and living in His Kingdom.
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