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Kingdom of Heaven Part 3, Repentance

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o far we’ve looked at what the Kingdom of God is, followed by subsequent parts which are the requirements we may enter the Kingdom. In Part 2 we looked at Faith, and now in Part 3, we will study another key requirement and that is Repentance. We always take a methodical approach for better clarity for you to understand sound doctrine.

Jesus is the Way to the Kingdom of God, he clearly said, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’ (Matthew 3:2). The instruction here is to repent.

I recently noticed a pattern when it comes to true repentance. When you truly repent, God is patient, compassionate and waiting to forgive you. Once your sins are completely wiped away, you follow Jesus who is The Way to everlasting life in the Kingdom of God.

Repent (confession) – Forgiveness (from God) – Redemption (saved from sin through Jesus Christ)

What is Repentance?

Repentance is turning away from a sinful life to the truth and life in Christ. Repentance involves a comprehension of your personal guilt before God. It is an acknowledgment of our worthiness to God. In Acts 11:18, we read that “to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” So you see, it is a gift from God so we cannot boast about it.

In fact, the bible also teaches us that we should “Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth (2 Timothy 2:25). But notice something in those two verses; it leads to the truth and life and that is our Lord Jesus Christ who declared:

 I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

Repentance in the Old Testament

Example

Jonah and people of Nineveh

In the Old Testament, God was prepared to destroy the people of Nineveh if they hadn’t repented.  Jonah proclaimed a warning message for the people to give up their evil ways and their violence.  Everyone including the king humbled themselves and turned away from their evil ways. You see God is very patient and compassionate, the bible says God “relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah himself knew God was kind and full of mercy so he tried all he could to avoid seeing his enemies being forgiven.

Repentance in the New Testament

Example

The Lost Son

In this parable, the father was absolutely willing to forgive his son when he returned back to him. Therefore, the son’s transgressions were totally forgiven when he returned to the father in a humble way begging for mercy. As such, God the Almighty Father is waiting for us to return to him regardless of all the mistakes we have made. We do this through Jesus Christ (aka the Way) who  died for us on the cross so we may be saved.

Key Takeaways:

Understand, Innerstand and Overstand

Repentance and faith actually go hand in hand when it comes to getting saved. Ask yourself what would have happened if the lost son had not returned to his father or if the Nenevites had not repented? The opposite leads to death.

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

The call of repentance requires you to turn away from all types of sin including idolatry and pride. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him (2 Chronicles 30:9).