What does "repentance to God" mean for our daily Christian walk? The Foundational Verse “testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus.” — Acts 20:21 Understanding “Repentance to God” • Greek “metanoia” = a change of mind that results in a change of direction • Not mere regret, but turning from sin and turning to the Lord Himself • Always paired with faith; we abandon trust in self and embrace Christ’s finished work The Two Sides of One Coin 1. Repentance to God: acknowledging His holiness, our sin, and surrendering to His rule 2. Faith in Jesus: receiving His atonement, righteousness, and life (See Luke 13:3; 2 Corinthians 7:10) Daily Outworking of Repentance • Ongoing sensitivity to the Spirit’s conviction (John 16:8) • Immediate confession of revealed sin (1 John 1:9) • Re-aligning thoughts with God’s Word (Romans 12:2) • Choosing obedience in concrete actions—speech, relationships, priorities Practical Habits that Nurture Repentance • Scripture intake that exposes hidden motives (Hebrews 4:12) • Self-examination at day’s end, inviting God to search the heart (Psalm 139:23-24) • Fellowship with believers who graciously exhort (Hebrews 3:13) • The Lord’s Supper, where we remember the cost of sin and the grace of forgiveness (1 Corinthians 11:28) Fruits of Genuine Repentance (Matthew 3:8; Proverbs 28:13) • Growing hatred of sin and love for righteousness • Restored relationships through humble restitution • Increasing joy and peace, knowing we walk in the light • Greater usefulness in service, freed from guilt-laden bondage Encouragement for Perseverance “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble.” — 2 Peter 1:10 Living in repentance to God keeps our hearts tender, our witness clear, and our fellowship with the Father vibrant—day by day until we see the Lord face-to-face. |