REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS HEB. 6:1-2
Introduction:
This is the first fundamental doctrine of Christ in the scripture Nobody can lay claim to being born again without the step of genuine repentance.
1. What does Repentance Mean?
Heb. 6:1-2; Acts 3:19 Thess.
1:5-10. It is a firm conscious and personal decision to change from sin (obedience to the devil) to righteousness in obedience towards God. Living holy it is not an emotion.
Repentance must involves the steps of
a. Acknowledging the fact that you were born a sinner and you have been sinning till date Rom.3:23
b. Confessing your sins I Jn.1:9.
c. Asking God for forgiveness and His mercy Isa.55:7.
d. Asking for divine ability to forsake your sins Prov.28:13.
2. How important is the subject to us as Believers?
i. Lk.3:7-9, Gal.5:22-23, Genuine repentance is followed by desirable fruit of the spirit like love, peace, patience, faith etc.
ii. Matt.4:17, Lk.13:1-5, Lk.15:7, Lk.24:46-47.
Jesus our Lord and master commanded us to repent and be saved.
iii. Acts 2:37-38, Acts 17:30-31, 20:20-21. The disciples preached it.
iv. Matt. 3:1-2 – John the Baptist also preached it. Nobody can say he is born again without genuine repentance.
3 What Are The Dead Works From Which We Have To Repent.
Heb. 6:1, Rom.6:21, I Cor.6:9-11, Gal.5:19-21, I Thess. 1:9, Phil.3:31, II Tim.3:8-9, Ezek. 14:6, Eph.4:25-31. Sin, the works the flesh, idolatry, empty religion and all unrighteousness are the
dead works to be repented of.
4. Elements of genuine repentance
a. Conviction: Before any sinner can repent, he must be convicted that he has an urgent need to make his way right with God. Ps. 38:4; 51:3; Acts 2:37.
b. Godly Sorrow: This comes as a consequence of conviction by the Holy Spirit. This produces repentance II Cor. 7:10
c. Renunciation: True repentance involves grief and hatred for sin, forsaking and turning from it to God Isa. 55:7; Joel 2:13.
5. Distinguish Between Genuine Repentance And Remorse?
Ps. 51:1-9; Rom.6:23; Rom.12:1-2, Matt.27:3-4, Acts 1:25.
GENUINE REPENTANCE REMORSE
• Leads to salvation - Leads to death
• Comes from the spirit - Come from emotion
• Heartfelt confession and desire - Shallow & transient
• To for sake sin - Concern about sin
• Physical manifestation of holy - Turbulent life of sorrow
• Life, thoughts and work and failure
Genuine repentance is a two fold act: 1. Turning away from sin
2. Turning unto God
Turning from sin without to God is reformation without regeneration.
1. Why Repentance is Necessary
a. A person who fails to repent will perish Lk. 13:5
b. An unrepented sin is an unforgiven sin.
c. An unforgiven sin will destroy Ps. 38:3b.
2. What are the results of genuine repentance?
1 Jn. 1:7-9, Rom.5:1, II Cor.5:17, Isa. 30:15; Acts 3:19; Ps. 51:10; Ps. 51:12-14, Gal. 5:22-23, Lk. 15:7,10, Cleansing with the blood of Jesus by faith, assurance of forgiveness, ability to have fruitful fellowship with God in prayer, peace with God and man. Justification as if sins never occurred, Joy of salvation; escape from the consequences of sin are some of the fruits of genuine repentance.
Conclusion:
Remember, God is mocked (Gal. 6:7). Sin will always pay its full price is not repentance of (Rom. 6:23a), and that God is ready to forgives and plenteous in mercy (Ps. 86:5) if there is a genuine repentance. Therefore repent now so that you could have wonderful times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
Memory Verse (PROVERBS 28:13):
He that covereth his sin shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy
