Repentance is a widely used term in most denominational settings. Christians far and wide begin and end with this concept. Most think that it means saying that we are sorry for what we have done wrong. While this is part of the process, repentance is really “an about face.” It is a turning away from our past life of sin. Repentance is akin to the first sacrifice made as they entered the Tabernacle or Temple. Paul reminded us that the Gospel included His death which we find in repentance. Peter preached Repentance, baptism of water in Jesus’ name, and baptism of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2. Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to see or enter Heaven a person must be born again of water and of the Spirit. The Lord also said that unless we repent we would all likewise perish.
When we repent, there is response from the throne of God. We remember our past life. We see the scars that sin has left behind. There may be unpaid debts or words that must be offered after our moment of repentance, but while we remember, God does not.
Jesus carried our shame, but He cleanses us through Repentance and the waters of Baptism. Then comes the word painting of David: Psalm 130:3 (NIV) If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
Psalm 130:3 (MSG) “If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance?
The difference between God and those without love, according to I Corinthians 13:5, is that God keeps no record of wrongs. If God would allow Himself to remember, then none of us would survive. The prophet said it right: Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. We call it God’s Sea of Forgetfulness. This is the beauty of our Savior. I give you Jesus!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole