Should I Repent?

Don’t you think this a good question? I believe this is a question that everyone who has reached the age of accountability and is of a sound mind should ask themselves. If it were possible I would address the entire world with this question, “Should I repent”? What is it that makes this such an important question? We will answer why this is so important and add a few more remarks about “repentance”.

I believe that everyone should “repent” because Jesus said so: (Luke 13:3) “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” It is important that we notice the negative side of Jesus’ statement; “Repent or perish”. If our sins were to be dealt with fairly, the truth of the matter is we all deserve to “perish”. We must face up to the fact that we are sinners: (Rom 3:23) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” By inspiration Paul wrote, “all have sinned”. Since this was written by inspiration we must conclude that this is God’s judgment of EVERYONE! It makes no difference what you may think of yourself, you will face the Day of Judgment: (Heb 9:27) “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” What is going to take place at the Judgment? Jesus will be seated on His “throne of glory” [Matt. 25:31]. All nations [I.e. everyone who has ever lived] will be gathered before Jesus [Matt. 25:32]. This same verse also tells us that at this time there is going to be a great separation; as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep will be seated at Jesus’ right hand and the goats on His left [Vs. 33]. Jesus then is going to speak the words that we are all longing to hear to those who are seated at His right hand: (Matt 25:34) “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” What is going to happen to those who are seated on the “left hand” of Jesus? The words that Jesus speaks to them should frighten everyone: (Matt 25:41) “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Again I refer to the words of Paul to show the terrible wages of sin: (Rom 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. When you stop and think about it the choice is not hard to make, I choose “eternal life”! Here is another point; “If eternal life is “through Jesus Christ” don’t you think we should do what He says? (Luke 13:3) “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” 

Since we are asking questions in this article, allow me to ask another question, “What is “repentance”? A simple answer is; “Repentance is a turning”: (Acts 14:15) “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:” Paul had just healed a man who had been crippled from birth [Vs. 8]. The people were so overtaken by this they said, “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.” [Vs. 11]. They didn’t stop at this as verses 12 and 13 inform: (Acts 14:12–13) “And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.  ¹³Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.” Did the apostles accept this new found honor? No, not at all! They asked “Why are you doing these things”? They then gave them a command to “turn from these vanities unto the living God”. What is it that they are commanding them to do? Very simply stated, they are telling them to REPENT. Therefore repentance is turning from sin to God.

When we consider that we are sinners [Romans 3:23] and are made aware that Jesus said if we don’t “repent” we are going to “perish” I conclude that it is imperative that we examine our daily lives and if we find that we have sinned in any manner we need to repent. Here is something else to think about, the sin of omission will condemn many on the Day of Judgment!

-Bud