n Luke 3:7-8 John the Baptist, challenges the religious leaders of the day to produce fruit worthy of repentance. The Bible makes it clear that true repentance will have a powerful effect in the life of the person who repents. 2 Corinthians 7:11 reminds us that repentance produces 7 effects in the lives of the ones who are repenting:

1. An earnest desire to be obedient to God

2. A desire to vindicate themselves to others

3. A hatred toward the sin we have committed

4. A fear that we will fall again

5. A longing to know the truth and live in freedom of that sin

6. A zeal to serve God and others

7. A willingness to make right our wrongs to others.

Repentance causes us to focus on our relationship with God and desire to live in the forgiveness that is offered to us, because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is that understanding, that leads us to desire to live a changed life, and that life will affect the way we interact with those who are around us. It is this truth that helps us to deal with the guilt of our actions, … READ MORE

We are told in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us or sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is more than just simply saying what are sin was it involves our entire person. Let me explain:1. It involves a person’s intellect – a person must think differently about sin, self, others, God, etc; It must involve a recognition of sin and who God is. It is an understanding of what I did and my desire to overcome those choices.2. It involves a person’s emotions – Repentance will involve some measure of sorrow or regret for our sinful choice. This does not mean that I am overwhelmed by guilt, but a real sense of what I did as being wrong.3. It involves a person’s will – We are active in turning to God and away from making choices on the basis of what brings us instant gratification, and to choices that are made based on the Word of God.4. It involves a persons’ desires – We will have a desire to please God and obey the Word of God over the desires of our flesh5. It involves a person’s … READ MORE

Hosea 14:1-3 gives at least 8 elements of a repentant heart, take a moment to look at them:

1. “return to the LORD your God” – Repentance includes turning to the Lord from your sinful choice(s)

2. “You have stumbled because of your iniquity” – Repentance includes an understanding of the seriousness and awfulness of sin – an awareness that your sin has caused you to fall – not just stager, and has broken your relationship with God.

3. “Take words with you, and return to the LORD” – Repentances includes a concern about heart sins as well as behavioral sins.

4. “Take away all iniquity” – Repentance includes an acknowledgment that we have sinned, and that our sin is serious. It brings a willingness to call all that is behavior that is against God’s Word, sinful.

5. “Receive us graciously” – Repentance includes a desire and request for forgiveness – not bargaining, not talking about good works, not asking for justice, asking to be received graciously (Ephesians 1:7).

6. “For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.” – Repentance includes an intention to live a God centered life; a desire and commitment to glorify God with lips and … READ MORE