The Importance of Repentance
When the Jews learned they had crucified the Son of God, they fearfully asked, "What shall we do?." Peter answered, "Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus" (Acts 2:37, 38). What did Peter mean when he said "Repent"?
W.E. Vine defines repentance, "to change one's mind or purpose". He continues to write, "This change of mind involves a turning from sin and a turning to God". Therefore, after hearing and believing the gospel, we are provoked to turn away from our selfish and sinful conduct and turn to the commandments of God.
Jesus said, "Except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish" (Luke 13:3,5). We must turn our complete hearts unto God or we will perish eternally. There are no half turns (Matt. 6:24; 12:30; Luke 9:62).
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Have you repented and turned to God? Please do so before it is eternally too late!
Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ
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