Here you find the fundamental truths systematically explained
for the beginners in the new life.The reason many newly born again believers
are not growing is due to the lack of systematic teaching on these fundamental
truths of the Scriptures.
"wherefore laying aside all malice,
and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,As
new born babes, desire the sincere milkof the word, that ye may grow thereby."
1Peter 2:1,2.
Matthew 3:2, 4:17; Acts 2:38, 3:19 5:31, 8:22,
11:18,17:30,20:21,26:20.
* What is Repentance? The Meaning
of Repentance: ' to change one's mind'.
* In the O.T. Heb.' Nacham'= to lament or grieve. e.g. Joel
2:12; 1Kings 21:27; Ezra 10:1.
Heb.'shub'= to return, to turn back. e.g. 2Chron.7:14; Isa.55:7; Ez.18:21.
* In the N.T.: Greek. 'metamelomai'=to regret, to feel concern.e.g.
Mat.3:2; Ac.3:19; Lk.15:21.
Greek: 'metanoein'= to have another mind.
* Thus the N.T. emphasizes the inward nature of true repentance;
the O.T. emphasizes the outward expression of the inner change.
"Repentance is an inner change of mind
resulting in an outward turning back to face to move in a completely
new direction."
Examples: An example of true repentance:
Luke 15:11-32.
Examples of false repentance: Matt.27:3-4, Ac.1:25.-intense anguish
& remorse but no true repentance. Judas went too far- to 'no turning
back' point.
-Esau: Heb.12:16,17. It was too late for Esau to regret. He could not
get back.
* Why to Repent? The Message of
Repentance:
* Started by John the Baptist: Mk.1:3,4,14,15.
* Lord Jesus started His ministry preaching about repentance: Matt.4:17.
* The Great Commission included : Lk. 24: 46,47.
* The Apostles preached: Ac.2:38, 3:19, 8:22, 26:20.
* God wants everyone every where to repent: Acts 17: 30.
* Without repentance, there is no conversion and hence no salvation.
Ac.26:18,20.
* Who or What causes repentance? The
Means of Repentance:
* Begins with God and not man:
* The Call: Father draws men to Himself: Jn.6:44.
* The Conviction: The Holy Spirit convicts men of sin: Jn.16:8.
* The Conviction by the Word of God: Acts 2:36-38.
*The Command of God demands obedience: Ac.17:30.
* The Compulsion of the Goodness of God: Rom. 2:4.
* The Contrition of the godly sorrow: 2Cor.7:10.
* The Correction of God grants repentance: 2Tim. 2:25.
* What is Associated with repentance? The
Manner of repentance:
1. Paying back: Restitution: Lk. 19:8,9.
2. Being reunited: Reconciliation: Mt.5:23,24.
3. Leaving behind: Forsaking: Ac.19:18,19.
4. Ding good deeds: fruitbearing: Ac.26:20; Mt.3:8.
5. Seperation from the world unto God: 2Cor.6:14-17.
6. Turning from the idols to the lviing God: 1Thess.1:9; 1Cor.10:20;
Gal.4:8;Ac.17:29.
7. Confessing sins to the Lord Jesus: 1Jn.1:9.8.
8. Forsaking sinful lifestyle: Proverbs 28:13; Eph.4:22.
* Who needs to repentance?
* All men everywhere: Acts 17:30.
* God's people: 2Chronicles 7:14; 2Cor.7:9, 12:21.
* Religious people: Lk. 13:3.
* The Importance of repentance:
Repentance + Faith = Conversion.
* The Lord Jesus exhorted and warned Peter: Lk.22:32. After his repentance
and faith he would be converted to strengthen others.
* Paul's preaching was focussed on repentance: Acts 26:18,20.
* The Prodigal son was restored to the father's house and his sonship
because of the change in his mind and decision of his will resulting
in performance of the will in rising from there and returning: Luke
15:11-24.
..Jesus began to preach and
say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew
4:17.
