The need to Repent

Matthew 3:1-2

What does the word repentance mean?  Webster says that the word means to regret past sins, to change ones actions of regretted past acts.

There are many passage of Scriptures that teach us of repentance.  Repentance is not an option.  Luke 13: 3-1 tell you: nay  but except ye repent, ye shall all like wise perish.  Every person has the duty unto God to personally repent of their sins.  God deals with a nation for their sins and God deals with  individuals for their sins.

God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach. Nineveh was a city of many people but repentance was necessary

for the whole city.  Jonah, as an  individual also had to repent.

1-John the Baptist said in Matt. 3:2; Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

2. The disciples in Mark 6:12 and they went out and preached that men should repent.

3- Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out Acts 3:19.

4.  Rev. 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do thy first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent.

Lets look at some men in the Bible that really did repent.

1- Zachaeus stood and said unto the Lord, Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation,  I will restore him fourfold. Luke 19; 8-9

2. David in Psalms 51:1-3- repented and ask the Lord for forgiveness, He wanted his sin blotted out and  to be cleansed.

3-Peter denied again that he knew the Lord  and immediately the cock crew. Peter went out and wept bitterly after he denied our Lord .John 18:27 

4- Paul repented on the Damascus road. He was going to Damascus to arrest Christians, whether they were men or women and bring them bound to Jerusalem to punish them.

5-Cornelius, in  Acts 10:1-6 was a praying man and his prayers come up before the Lord and he was told his prayers were heard.

6-The Philippian jailer in Acts 16:25-34 after his confrontation  with the power of God ask Paul; Sirs what must I do to be saved.   

Some almost repented; Agrippa in Acts 26: 26-28 Said, Almost thou persuade me to become a Christian.

There are some people that could not repent,

1- Judas tried to repent and found none and had a tragic ending.

2- Saul, the first King of Israel, learned to late that there are some things you can't undo. He lost his kingdom for his disobedience.

One of the saddest statements ever made is found in 1 Samuel 15:35; And The Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.

Don't keep Jesus standing at your hearts door to long. Only you can open the door. Rev. 3:20