Repentance
Apostle Paul was clear in writing that for us to go unto perfection we must not lay “again the foundation of repentance from dead works.” [Hebrews 6:1] Repentance is much more than simply saying we are sorry, but it is total a change of heart, as well as a change of life. For the Lord calls us to “cease to do evil” and “learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16-17]. Thus, true repentance can only occur when we confess and forsake our sins, meaning that after we acknowledge our sin, we never partake in it again. Otherwise, we will be as a “dog is turned to his own vomit again; and, The sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” [2 Peter 2:22 and Proverb 26:11].
​
The word “repent” means to turn back, thereby we can only truly repent one time. “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” [Hebrews 10:26]. For to the one who sins again shall the former sins return. Paul writes in Galatians, chapter two, that we will not be justified by Christ if we are found to be sinners. “For if I build again the things which I destroyed [sin], I make myself a transgressor.” [Galatians 2:18]. While it is true that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord freed us from the bondage of death, which is the gift of grace, His sacrifice can only free us from sin if we repent by exercising faith in Him “who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” [2 Corinthians 5:21].
Scriptures to Consider
Isaiah 1:16-18 (KJV)
1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
​
Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)
28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
​
Hebrews 10:26 (KJV)
10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins
​
Galatians 2:16-21 (KJV)
2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law [meaning the law of Moses], but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
​
2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
​
James 4:17 (KJV)
4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
​
Galatians 4:9 (KJV)
4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
​
