LUKE 3:7-8: “When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, ‘You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.”

OBSERVATION: Am I sorry or am I repentant? The answer to this question will determine whether I continue making the same mistakes or receive God’s grace to break the patterns of brokenness in my life. Is it possible that we have lost the concept of repentance in our message as the church?

As a child, I learned the difference between saying “I’m sorry” and repenting. Usually, when I said “I’m sorry,” I was not moved by the gravity of my actions. I was sad with the consequences surrounding my sin and being found out. As long as I was getting away with it, I was ok. When I got caught, I was sorry, sorry that I could no longer continue doing what I wanted to do, and for the punishment that I incurred.

However, repentance is something quite different. Like saying “I’m sorry,” there is a sense of sorrow for what I have done. Yet, the sorrow is not that I was caught. It is a godly sorrow. It is the understanding that what I have done has displeased God and broken His commands and will for my life. Godly sorrow leads to true repentance.

What is true repentance? It is the tangible expression of our godly sorrow manifested in outward actions that prove the sincerity of our words – with actions. John the Baptist was very straightforward and honest when asked what it meant to repent.

Luke 3:10-14: “The crowds asked, ‘What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” NLT

The word translated “repentance” from the Greek language means to make an about-face, a 180-degree turn. It is to turn from our sin and turn toward God. It is to turn from our wrong actions and begin to show our godly sorrow with new actions. We are unable to do this in our own strength. However, when we turn to the Lord, we are met with His grace. It is at the point of true repentance that we meet Jesus as our Savior and Lord. This is why John, Jesus, and the Apostles never invited people to simply “believe” in Jesus. They invited people to repent and believe!

Mark 1:14-15: “Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” NLT

Acts of the Apostles 2:37-38: “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” NLT

To pray to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord without godly sorrow for our sins is like saying “I’m sorry” while continuing to walk and live the same way. The Rich Young Ruler is a good example of someone who wanted to follow Jesus but was not willing to repent. He was not even willing to admit that he wanted to repent, but was struggling with the first step. When faced with his covetousness and the call to repent, he left sorrowful. It was not sorrow for his sin but for what it would mean to give it up!

While it is not repentance that saves us, it is repentance that turns our hearts toward the grace of God that does. We are saved by grace through faith and not by our works. Yet, repentance is not a work. It is a choice. It is the hungry heart turning to God and calling out for forgiveness. It is the sinful heart running to the cross and laying down everything to gain Jesus Christ!

To receive the grace of God in our lives, we need to have empty hands and a contrite heart. We need repentance! To live in the grace of God as a believer, we need the same. Each day, we are faced with the choice. Will I come to God with a repentant heart, or will I hang on to the sin that so easily trips me up and causes me to live in my past? Repentance is the beginning step for every day. I come to the cross, I lay down my sin, my self, and my attempt to try and please God in my own strength, and I cling to Jesus!

I cannot cling to Jesus while holding on to the entrapments of this life. I can only receive His life and grace with empty hands and a contrite heart. This is how I need to live if I am going to be a fruitful and productive child of God. So, this morning…

Heavenly Father, I come to the cross. I come just as I am. I come to lay down my sins and every heavy burden I have picked up along the way. I come to embrace anew, Jesus Christ, as my personal Lord and Savior. Forgive me, cleanse me, fill me, and give me the grace to live in the power of Spirit-filled obedience to You and Your Word!

In Jesus’ Name!