What does it mean to repent or
be converted?
To repent or be converted is, simply put, to turn from one's sinful and rebellious ways to God for mercy and forgiveness for the sake of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is God the Son and true man. Repentance and conversion are entirely the gracious working of God in us, for His Spirit convicts us of our sinful ways and shows to us the condemnation we justly deserve (cf. John 16:7-11) but also offers and gives to us comfort and forgiveness for the sake of the holy life and innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus in our stead (Matt. 9:2; 1 John 2:1-2; Eph. 1:3ff.).
The Bible tells us that "we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:3-7).
Again, Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: "And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:1-10).
A true Christian lives his life here in this world in continual and daily repentance; that is, he acknowledges his sins and failures to the LORD God and receives His mercy and forgiveness for Christ's sake -- as well as the needed help and strength to amend his life and live for the LORD (1 John 1:8 -- 2:2; Psalm 32; Psalm 51; Psalm 86:5; Eph. 1:15-23; Phil. 4:13).
Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/08/2014