Volume 47   Number 3                                                          November 2004

Speaking before a group of highly intelligent Athenians, the Apostle Paul declared: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30,31) It is doubtful that those philosophers of Mars Hill really understood the depth of their ignorance. We can be just like them today if we fail to recognize our greatest need. The Day of Judgment is coming. Not one of us will be ready unless we heed the divine commandment to repent!

With the exception of a brief time of innocence in the beginning, mankind has always been in need of repentance. Just by nature, our thoughts wander in vain imagination away from God. When we talk, our words often spring from hell, rather than from any divine influence. To every good work, we are usually reprobate. "The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one." (Psalms 14:2,3) Because it is our greatest need, repentance has always been preached, and must continue to be proclaimed for as long as we remain on this proving ground. Itching ears would rather listen to messages of acceptance, diversity, and tolerance to keep is in a sort of spiritual denial about our sins, but for those who want to be completely prepared to meet their Creator, repentance is as essential to our eternal well-being as the air we breathe!

Repentance is translated from a Greek word which literally means "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider." (Strong's Greek Dictionary) Some people foolishly refuse to 'reconsider' their ways, even after the damage caused by their actions becomes as clear as shattered glass. Others are wise and have second thoughts about sinning. They are grieved by their sins. They change their minds. They quit sinning. Then they resolve to do what is right.

What brings about this change of mind? "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10) When a person is saddened by his actions, this is a marvelous starting place for a change of mind. Note that godly sorrow is different from the sorrow of this world. In godly sorrow, there is hope. But the sorrow of this world is based on despair, accompanied by such feelings of worthlessness that some souls never get beyond them. When the mind is changed in repentance, the next step is action! A dear sister in Christ was talking about a problem she had with some pesky neighbors who would often say, "I'm sorry", then not follow through. She told me that she tried to tell them "Sorry means Action!" If someone is truly sorry, then their actions will prove the apology. But if there is no true change of mind, "I'm Sorry" isn't worth the hot air required to say the words!

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:1,2) God's special messenger to prepare the way for the Messiah had a theme for his preaching, and that was repentance! Jesus Himself continued the same theme in His proclamation of Truth (Matthew 4:17). A change of mind was necessary if the Jewish nation wanted to enter into the kingdom of heaven. But many of the religious leaders were only pretending to be good. For this serpentine segment of the Jews, John had these clear words: "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance." (Matthew 3:8) When God looked upon the Jewish leaders, He wanted to see action, not acting!

The Lord is not satisfied with noble-sounding intentions to do great things someday in the fuzzy future. The Almighty is certainly not going to be fooled by empty words. The Creator of heaven and earth is looking for fruits worthy of repentance. Do your actions show that you have truly changed your mind about sin, or is it hard to distinguish you from the rest of the world?

Every person ought to know and be in full agreement with the Will of God. But because our lives have been spoiled through our own deceitful lusts, a change in the way we think is necessary. No one can be pleasing to God as long as they continue to live according to their own selfish will. "... unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3b) We need to have second thoughts about our carnal thoughts! When will you repent? If you are not yet sorry for your sins, there is going to be a Day when you will be. Paul told the Athenians about that Day and many of them laughed. But some believed and repented. Why not be truly wise like them and change your mind before it is too late? The Lord waits patiently in mercy for your all-important decision. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)