Repentance is a word that doesn’t get a lot of positive press these days. We would like to blame it on the times we live in, but honestly, people have had trouble with repentance since Genesis 3. Today, let’s consider why repentance gets such bad press.

Acts 3:19-20
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord….

The apostle Peter spoke these words to those who put Jesus on the cross. The recipients were the ones who judged Jesus as a blasphemer, hurled insults at him, and shouted, “Crucify him!” Peter acknowledged that they had acted in ignorance. He offered them a clean slate and “times of refreshing.” All they had to do was repent. Let’s consider what Peter was asking.

Repentance (the Greek, metanoeo) calls for remorse and change. To repent means acknowledging that I am headed in the wrong direction, so I stop, turn around, and head in the right direction. Peter implored his listeners to have remorse for putting Jesus on the cross, change their minds regarding their opposition to him, and begin walking with Jesus instead of walking away from him. That’s a radical request!

Repentance has a two-fold application. First, there is repentance for salvation. I admit that I am a sinner, can’t save myself from the penalty of sin, and trust in Jesus as the only One who can save me. True repentance is not lip service but life surrender. When repentance is genuine, change will occur. You will be a new creation in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Second, there is repentance for sanctification—growing in our walk with Christ. As changed believers, we will still sin (1 John 1:8). This sin does not cause us to lose our relationship with God but hamper our fellowship with him. So, when we do sin as believers, we confess our sins to our Father, who is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Let’s wrap up with two questions.

1. Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus alone as the only way to have a relationship with the living God?
2. As a believer, do you consistently confess your sins? This is critical to stay on the path of spiritual growth.

Repentance allows light in the darkness and puts us on the path to walk with Jesus.

Lord, repentance is hard. It’s easier to say, “I’m sorry,” and then continue my merry way. But you call for remorse and change. Give us the courage to repent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.