REPENT

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 9:13
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 1:15

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

REPENT.  Why is this word hard for some to swallow and difficult for some to actually DO?

REPENT means to turn around --  If I am headed in a direction opposite of God - I need to turn around and go towards God.  Turn from sin - and walk in righteousness.  One states it this way: To repent and to convert involves obedience to God's revealed will, placing trust in Him, turning away from all evil and ungodliness.

When we turn from sin, we must turn to something and someone.  That something is righteous living. That Someone is Jesus Christ.

It isn't easy to admit that we are sinners.  It isn't easy to give up control of our own life.  For some, the flesh is so strong and the will to live independently from God has bound their soul and blinded their minds.  

Yielding to the Lord in repentance is the most satisfying state for a soul.  Repentance is cleansing.  It is healing.  It is freedom.   

Through prayer, one can express regret for past wrongs, sorrow for sins committed.  We can be assured that Jesus Christ accepts this kind of prayer and responds with forgiveness for our sins.

That ... is real freedom.  How freeing it is to abandon trusting in my own works, opinions, or goodness and turning to the One Who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere at once.  The One who is Love.    

We are unable to perform fleshly, personal works to place ourselves in a right relationship with God ... but through faith in Jesus Christ ... and through accepting the righteous blood sacrifice which Jesus shed on the Cross for us ... which satisfies the payment for sin ... we are restored to God and enjoy salvation leading unto eternal life with the Lord.  Jesus did everything necessary to place us in right relationship with the Father. 

Repentance opens our eyes to the greatness, the holiness, and the purity, of God.  

Repentance fully reveals the love of Jesus Christ for humanity through price He paid at Calvary.  

Repentance is our roadway to Heaven. 

Chaos may abound, but we are safe in the arms of Jesus.  With a spirit reborn - our minds renewed - our soul at peace - we live the abundant life promised by the Lord.  

Repent is a good word.  The action of repenting  gives a feeling of hope and love which is not attained outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ.    Daily, make the decision to turn from and walk toward a life filled with goodness and mercy.  

I've never heard one person say they were sorry for unloading their baggage of sin at the cross.  

AT THE CROSS  (Hymn)

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

Repent.  You will never be sorry. And angels will sing.

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