Part 1 of this series lays out five steps that are required in order to be saved. We have looked at hearing and believing. In this article, let’s take a look at repentance.
Repentance
Repentance defined by Webster: “To turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life.” Repentance promotes the idea of contrition (grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming).
It is no secret that every one of is guilty of sin. Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” In Romans 6:23, Paul tells us “The wages of sin is death” (spiritual separation from God).
The scriptures are clear regarding repentance. In Mark 1:15, Jesus is in Galilee preaching “and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God (the church) is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” During His ministry on earth, He preached saying “I tell you, nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3-5).
In the first gospel sermon ever preached, Peter told the Jews that they had, in fact, “crucified the Son of God”. In Acts 2:37, we are told they were “cut to the heart” and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter answered in verse 38: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”
These are just a few of the many passages that prove that repentance is necessary for salvation. In our next lesson, we will look at confession as a necessary step in obedience to God in order to be saved.
