Theme: REPENTANCE
Repentance is defined by the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary as “the fact of showing regret for wrong done”. The Scriptures give an expanded and complete meaning of repentance: that it is the regret for one’s sin (wrongdoing) that leads to a change in heart and behaviour in order to be in favour with God. (2 Corinthians 7:1, 9,10). A graphic way of seeing the concept of repentance is the U-turn one makes when one finds that he or she is driving on the road that leads to a place different from where he or she is going. In the days following, we shall be looking at reflections, examples, spiritual insights, facilitators, inhibitors and evidences of repentance by God’s grace. In this series, we shall also consider the stages of repentance, which are: identification, remorse, decision, action and maintenance
Text: “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.” – Matthew 13:41
Comment: To be called into God’s organization where the Truth is preached unadulteratedly is a great favour from Jehovah. This call is a general one with sinners of all descriptions inclusive; be they homosexuals, witches, idol worshippers, murderers, thieves, fornicators, adulterers, etc. (Revelations 22:17, Matthew 11:28-30, Isaiah 55:1) etc. However, all such persons must make conscious effort, with prayers to God Almighty, to change their hearts and behaviours and must repent of their sins. (Proverbs 28:13,14; Isaiah 1:16-19). This is a critical step for Salvation and should be the dominating concern of all genuine worshippers of Jehovah. There is great danger in continuing in sin. Apostle Paul asked: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1). The answer is certainly No. It is evident from what is going on in the world, fulfilling Bible prophesies, that there is an urgent need for all to attain and maintain genuine repentance as exhorted by St Paul in Romans 13:11-14: “And that knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep (i.e spiritual sleep): for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed…” See also Acts 17:30,31. Those who refuse to heed the call to repentance, Jesus Christ revealed in the text for today that they will suffer loss when he “shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.” – Matthew 13:41.