Repent

What does it mean to repent? A common biblical definition is to turn away from sin and towards God. This can be in action or thought. Although most definitions imply longevity, the truth is, to repent is to try and change permanently. Mistakes may happen but that becomes the exception.

Repentance leads to salvation as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

Repentance is not a one time get out of jail free card. It is not something you try to do. It is an internal and external change in one’s way of life that turns from sin back to God. In most instances it takes hard work to repent. 

If the Holy Spirit is in you, then there will be a conviction of sins and a desire to repent. As we always say, only God truly knows what is in a person’s heart. That being said, if one deliberately continues to lead a lifestyle they know is sinful, is the Holy Ghost really in them. Serious reflection is needed to be secure in one’s faith. A couple of societal examples of this is homosexuality and abortion. These are not only sins but abominations. If you call yourself a Christian and persist and/or support these acts and are not convicted to repent, you should ask why.

If one is not willing to repent then chances are they are not willing to put in the work to become and/or stay a Christian. And if you claim to be a Christian, are you listening to the Holy Spirit (if He is even in you).