Simply put, to repent means to turn away from our sins, and to turn back to God. A confession of sin and request for God’s forgiveness should therefore be followed by a change in behaviour. If there is something that we can’t shake off no matter how hard we try; we need to ask the Lord to reveal the deeper issue.
Repentance is a continuous process that starts with accepting Christ, but it doesn’t end there. Because we are not automatically perfected upon receiving Christ, we are called to be transformed. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”.
In other words, we are called to change from good to better; and to continue doing so until we bear and display the characteristics of Christ. This can only be done with the help of the Holy Spirit and through repentance. We cannot bear the image of Christ when we continue in bad habits and behaviours, or harbour certain mindsets and heart issues.
The change however begins in the mind. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. When we read and meditate on the word, we receive revelation that renews our minds or gives us a new way of thinking – one that revolves around God’s truth. This new way of thinking causes us to turn away from our negative behaviours and to turn back to God.
Let’s look at Revelation 2 versus 3 to 5. In this passage of scripture, the church of Ephesus is being addressed… In other words, a group of born-again believers. They are righteous people according to Revelation 2:3 that says, “and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake…” but, they still have issues. Revelation 2:4 says, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love”. The group of believers are then called to repent. Revelation 2:5 says, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the first works…”.
Like the church of Ephesus, there are things that we as born-again believers may still need to repent of. As we spend time with God, He will reveal these things to us. And when He does, we need to turn away from them as they will hinder our spiritual growth as long as they remain.
Repentance is for our benefit. As long as we continue with certain habits, behaviours, mindsets or heart issues, we will never have victory over certain areas of our lives. For example the area of relationships – if we choose to remain angry and bitter, people may continue to avoid us because we’re unpleasant to be around. We also perpetuate the cycle of sin as behaviours, mindsets and heart issues can be passed down from one generation to the next. We see this with alcoholism, racism, idolatry and ancestral worship for example.
Repentance is a choice. My Grandmother broke the cycle of idolatry in our family when she chose to smash her idols and follow Jesus. When we repent or turn away from sin, we can break certain behavioural cycles in our families, instead of passing them on.
As born-again believers, we may not be indulging in adultery, witchcraft, drunkenness or any of the sins listed in Galatians 5:19 and 20; but there may still be things that we need to turn away from… like certain ways of thinking for example. Are we meditating on things that are pure, lovely, and good according to Philippians 4:8; or are we allowing negative and destructive thoughts to fill our minds?
Another area to examine is the heart. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice”. Are we bitter, angry or malicious? What are the heart issues that we need to deal with and turn away from?
Acts 11:18 says, “… And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Repentance leads to life. When we choose to receive and follow Jesus… When we repent or turn from our heart issues, negative thoughts, or destructive behaviours… When we turn to God in prayer; and immerse ourselves in His word, we receive life. Our hearts and minds are transformed; and we begin to adopt actions and behaviours that produce life.