Word of the Week: Repent

Rick Stacy, a Michigan preacher, tells a neat story about a man named Ken Bailey.

Ken was a laborer on the Alaska Pipeline back in the mid 1970’s. He worked a year and came back with $30,000. That was a lot of money 30 years ago! He blew it all in a month.

He went back and in six months made another $18,000. He came home again and this time he decided to visit the church where Rick preached.

Rick said that the first Sunday when Ken walked in and sat on the back seat he  had two thoughts: (1) He looked just like Grizzly Adams – beard and all and (2) “Here was a man who would never become a Christian!”
When Rick finished preaching and extended the invitation, to his shock Ken Bailey came rushing down the aisle.  “I thought he was going to crush me!” Rick recalls.  He recounts how tears were streaming down Ken’s rugged face as he gave his life to Jesus.

When Ken returned the next Sunday, Rick said he didn’t recognize him. Ken was dressed in a 3 piece suit and no beard! When he asked the new brother what caused him to shave and dress up he said, “Jesus changed me on the inside and I want people to know it – so I changed the outside.”

The word of the week is repent.

While a nice suit and clean-shaven face doesn’t prove repentance, Ken Bailey did have the right idea.  Inward change should issue itself in outward actions.

In the first gospel sermon on Pentecost, when the apostles were asked by the convicted crowd, “What must we do?”  Peter responded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Ax 2:38)

The word repent literally means “to perceive afterwards.”  It implies a change of mind.  Of heart.  Of will.  Of purpose. Dr. A. T. Robertson said that Peter’s command to repent meant, “Change your mind and your life.” Turn right around, and do it now. You crucified this Jesus. Now crown him in your hearts as Lord and Christ.”

Frequently we hear of a sports star, politician or a celebrity getting caught in some scandalous action and they make some admission of wrong doing.  Yet one wonders if there is true repentance for sin?  We don’t know.  However, we can observe whether one brings forth the fruit of repentance.  But more importantly, we can get inside our own heart and mind and be honest with ourselves.

Based on Bible case studies of repentance like King David, the prodigal son, and the apostle Peter, here are six observable steps in repentance.

(1) Recognition of Sin.  The prophet Jeremiah condemned the people of Israel who plead, “I am innocent….I have not sinned!” (Jer. 2:35)  Yet they were guilty before God.  In contrast David said, “I have sinned.”  (2 Sam. 12:13)

(2) Remorse.   The Bible says,  “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Cor 7:10).  There is a huge difference for being sorry for our sins, and feeling sorry that we got caught!   Suffered embarrassment.  Or lost position, prestige, or income.

(3) Resolve.  When the lost son in Jesus’ parable “came to himself” to decided to make things right.  To go home.  To confess sin.  And accept the consequences.

(4) Reformation.  The fruits of repentance are realized in a reformed life.  A changed life.  A different life.  A new life.  A change both inside and outside.

(5) Restitution.  When possible, repentance results in restitution.  In making amends.  In repairing damages. In restoring what is right.  This was the spirit Zachaccus, the tax collector, had when he told Jesus, “If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Lk. 19:8)

(6) Rejoicing.  When we really repent, we will feel joyful.  Real repentance results in restoration.  Renewal.  And revival.  Sins are remitted.  Relationships are repaired.  Spiritual regeneration is received.

Repentance is required for God’s forgiveness. But the ancient Augustine was right, “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman