This document discusses the topic of repentance from a Christian perspective. It defines repentance as godly sorrow for sin that involves turning away from sin and toward God. It explains that repentance is essential for salvation. The nature of repentance involves changing one's mind, having sorrow for sin, making a decision to turn from sin, confessing sin, forsaking sin, and turning to God. Repentance is a gift from God brought about through means like the preaching of the gospel and God's chastisement. The results of repentance include bringing joy in heaven, receiving forgiveness of sins, and qualifying for regeneration. Restitution should be made when possible as part of repentance.

1. Jesus Christ I AM THAT I AMGreat Commission Ministries http://www.onegodjesuschrist .com REPENTANCE Lesson Four

2. A. THE DEFINITION OF REPENTANCE Scriptural Reference: II Corinthians 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.”

3. Repentanceis godly sorrow for sin. However, sorrow for sin alone is not repentance although it might work repentance. Repentanceis not only feeling sorry, but it is a dying to sin, a right about face. One little boy said, “Being sorry enough to quit.”

4. B. THE IMPORTANCE OF REPENTANCE Scriptural References: Luke 13:3 “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Acts 17:30 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandethall men everywhere to repent.” II Peter 3:9“But is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

5. These Scriptures reveal the great importance of repentance. The person who does not repent will perish. This shows that repentance is absolutely essential.

6. The importance of repentance may also be seen by the prominentplace it had in the ministry of all New Testament preachers: 1. John the Baptist preached repentance (Matthew 3:1-2). 2. Jesus preached repentance (Matthew 4:17). 3. Jesus commanded the twelve to preach it (Luke 24:47). 4. Jesus commanded the seventy to preach it (Luke 10:9). 5. Peter preached repentance (Acts 2:38). 6. Paul preached repentance (Acts 20:21).

7. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 1. Repentance is a change of mind (Matthew 21:29). This concerns the intellect of man. In salvation man is completely changed. This change and transformation must include his mind.

8. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 2. Repentance is a godly sorrow (II Corinthians 7:7-11). This concerns the emotions of man. The publican beat upon his breast indicating sorrow (Luke 18:13). There must be a certain amount of heart sorrow even if there is little evidence of it outwardly. It is not only a heart broken because of sin, but it is a heart broken from sin.

9. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 3. Repentance is a decision (Luke 15:17-18). This concerns the will of man. It is a decision to turn completely around. It is a decision to turn from sin to Jesus. The prodigal not only was sorry, but he arose and turned his footsteps homeward. Man must forsake that which he wishes God to remit.

10. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 4. Repentance is a confession of sin (Luke 15:21). It is absolutely impossible for a man to repent if he tries to cover his sin. An acknowledgement of sin is essential to true repentance (Luke 18:13).

11. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 5. Repentance is a forsaking of sin (Proverbs 28:13). To repent man must forsake sin. It is impossible for him to repent if he tries to cling to sin in his life.

12. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 6. Repentance is a turning to God (Acts 26:18). It is not enough to forsake sin, but man must turn to God (I Thessalonians 1:9).

13. C. THE NATURE OF REPENTANCE 7. Repentance is a death (Romans 6:3). In salvation a person is identified with Jesus in death, burial, an resurrection. By repentance he is able to be identified with Jesus in death.

14. Repentanceis an actual death to sin, self and the world. Death is never pleasant and brings suffering. Likewise, a man may suffer much agony as he dies to the world.

15. D. HOW REPENTANCE IS PRODUCED

16. 1. Repentance is a divine gift. Scriptural Reference: Acts 11:18 “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Acts 5:31 “For to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” II Timothy 2:25 “If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”

17. Repentancedoes not originate within man but comes from Jesus. Repentanceunto life is granted by God.

18. 2. Repentance is brought about by certain means Scriptural References: Romans 2:4 “Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeththee to repentance?” Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

19. Repentance is produced by several agents.Repentance is produced by: a. The preaching of the gospel-not any preaching, but the preaching of the true gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit (Jonah 3:5-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). b. The goodness of God (Hebrews 12:6-11). c. The chastisement of God (Hebrews 12:6-11). d. Christian reproof (11 Timothy 2:24-25).

20. E. THE RESULTS OF REPENTANCE Scriptural References: Luke 15:10 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Acts 3:19 “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”

21. There are many results which take place following repentance. Let us consider a few: a. Heaven is made glad. Angels are interested spectators when a sinner repents. They understand what happens when a sinner repents, and rejoice. b. Repentance brings pardon and forgiveness of sins. Repentance does not merit forgiveness, but is a condition for it. Repentance qualifies a man for a pardon, but it does not entitle him to it. c. Repentance qualifies one for regeneration-for water baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Repentance is necessary before a person is baptized.

22. F. RESTITUTION Scriptural References: Luke 19:8 “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Matthew 5:24 “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

23. To what extent does restitution enter into repentance? Honor and moral principle call for restitution in as far as it is possible. The Lord will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. The penitent will endeavor to obey the Lord in making wrongs right. However, it must be remembered that there is absolutely nothing we can do about most of the sins committed except to confess them and have them blotted out by the blood of the Lamb.

24. GOD BLESS