MEMORY VERSE: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
INTRODUCTION
Technically, repentance is a change of mind, not just a turning from sin. The Greek word translated “repentance” is metanoia, and the meaning is simply “a change of mind.” In common usage, however, we often speak of repentance as “a turning from sin.” In this lesson, we will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance and its outcome.
OUTLINE
1.THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
- THE FINAL PRODUCT
THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Repentance from the scriptural perspective is often associated with salvation, this is what happens when the Holy Spirit begins His work on the heart of a person to bring them to salvation. The Spirit gives the sinner a personal understanding and deep conviction of their precarious spiritual state John 16:8. The Holy Spirit exposes their personal sin, the eternal punishment due for such sin, the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering for this sin as well as the need for faith in Jesus to save from the power of sin Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21. From that convicting work of the Holy Spirit, the sinner repents; they change their mind about sin, the Saviour and salvation Ephesians 2:8-9.
When a repentant person changes their mind about sin, that change of mind naturally leads to a turning away from sin. The desire or fun derived from sin brings condemnation rather than satisfaction Romans 5:17-18. The repentant sinner begins to dislike their past misdeeds and start seeking ways to make amends for their behaviour Luke 19:8; Acts 2:37.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
Ultimately, the result of the change of mind about sin is a devotion to good deeds Matthew S:8; Titus 2:7, 14. The sinner turns away from sin towards faith in the Saviour, and that faith is shown in their good worksof faith James 2:17.
Repentance in relation to Salvation, is a change of mind from a tendency embrace of sin to a state of perpetual rejection of a sinful life in honour of their faith in Christ Ephesians 2:1-5. Such repentance is something only God can enable John 6:44; 2 Timothy 2:25. Therefore, true biblical repentance will always result in a change of behaviour 2 Corinthians 5:17.
CONCLUSION
Your character must evidently change from sinfulness to godliness if you have repented. It is not just turning from sin but turning to God.