Changing

Read: 2 Corinthians 7: 8-11

Introduction: A key to successful Christianity is to live a life of changing, known in the Bible as "repentance".  The call to “change” was fundamental to the message of John the Baptist (Luke 3:3); Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15); the early church (Acts 2:38); and should be central to the message of the church today. What is true repentance?

Repentance begins with sorrow. While it is true that repentance “is not just being sorry,” we can see from 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 that sorrow is a definite ingredient of repentance. 

Repentance is a change of action.  The Greek word Metanoeo means “to about turn, to turn around, to move 180 degrees in the opposite direction.” A simple translation would be “change.” Repentance is not the sorrow, but the positive action we take because we have sorrow.

Repentance can be proven. Both John the Baptist and Paul preached that repentance is demonstrable; the fruit of a changed life (Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20). Of course, this is a strong message found in the Book of James. Paul was convinced of the Corinthian’s repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:11.

Let us look at three examples of repentance in the Bible and ask the question whether we are witnessing true or merely pseudo repentance.

1. The Sorrow of Pharaoh. Pharaoh freed the children of Israel but then changed his mind and sought to pursue them (Exodus 12:31-32; 14:5). This was “repentance for the moment.” Sadly, many Christians operate just like this - when the feelings of sorrow have gone, God’s law is broken again. If this is a repeated pattern, it can be dangerous as we can become hard hearted to the Lord.

2. The Despair of Judas Iscariot. Judas was “seized with remorse” (Matthew 27:3-4) over his betrayal of Jesus, but his sorrow led him to become hopeless, leading to his death. Paul wrote that, “Worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). The Holy Spirit convicts Christians of righteousness.

3. The Repentance of Simon Peter. Peter betrayed the Lord too, and “wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62) but despite his sorrow, he sought the grace of Jesus by the fire and found forgiveness and a new life (John 21:15-17). This is true biblical repentance.

Conclusion: How then can we truly change/repent? The secret is found in God Himself, who is said to “grant repentance” (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25). If suffering from the repetitious condition of Pharaoh or the condemned-based hopelessness of Judas, seek the Lord afresh and He will grant genuine repentance by the power of the Holy Spirit and you will find a fresh start!