What is Repentance?

Acts 17:30,    Luke 13:3,    Matt. 3:8, and    Heb. 6:1-3

No matter how much one may desire to repent, nor how often he may resolve to repent, unless he actually repents. He is lost because God has made repentance of Prerequisite to Eternal Life.

I: Repentance is the Foundation. Heb. 6:1
1. Paul complained at having to preach again the foundation of Repentance.
2. A large house cannot be built on a small weak foundation.
3. Men may repent of many things toward others, but true repentance is toward God.

II: Repentance Brings Conviction into Focus.
1. Without Repentance, it is “Pioneers Promise. She is a Drunkards promise to quit next time.”
2. A sick man must know he is sick before he feels his need for a Doctor.
3. Repentance is as Universal as Sin.
4. The Holy Spirit brings us to Repentance.

III: Repentance is a “Change of Mind Toward God.”
1. The normal mind is carnal, “To be carnally minded is death.”
2. The carnal mind is not subject to the Law of God.
3. God offers repentance: “God hath granted to the Gentiles Repentance unto life.” “Jesus Christ was exalted a Prince and Savior to give repentance.”

IV: Evidence of Repentance.
1. The Sinner mourns because of Sin.
a. “Behold I am Vile.” Job.
b. The people of Nineveh. John 3:5-8
c. Men and Brethren, what must we do?
2. The Sinner prays for pardon and cleansing.
a. The day of Pentecost.
b. The Phillipian Jailer.
3. The Sinner prays for salvation.
4. Repentance bears fruit of confession, conversion, consecration.
5. It recognizes Jesus as Savior and Lord.

“It is impossible that any man was ever saved who didn’t mourn on account of his sins and pray for pardon thru Christ and seek eternal life. We may regard experiences of mind and heart.” B.H. Carroll
Lives are melted and brought to Repentance by lifting up the crucified Lord.