Over the years I have seen many make professions of faith, but not all of these that professed sorrow over their sins had a heart to forsake their sins. It’s quite a task to discern whether a person really is born-again in many cases. Are we not reminded of the Scriptural text; “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”? Mark 7:6 When a person’s heart is far from Christ, “the enemy comes in like a flood” (Isaiah 59:19) taking that person captive to do the devil’s will.
When issues are not dealt with at the cross, we find those who have hurts, loneliness, rejection, anger, anxiety, depression, bondages, etc., floundering around trying to find relief for these legitimate issues. And, thankfully, some do find relief and are rescued by God’s common grace that He supplies to the world. But many soon fall back into their former condition and the cycle continues. Meanwhile, disappointments, heartaches, resentment, helplessness, etc., invade the whole family atmosphere. But, it is not hopeless!
At Bethel Colony, we help men examine their lives to discover whether or not they have a clear understanding of repentance. Many have made professions of faith at some point in their lives but they have built their lives on the sand. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says; “But everyone who hears these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” Matthew 7:26 He also says; “But why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46 These sayings are exactly what Jesus wants every professing believer to consider, whether or not he really is a true believer. Has he truly repented of his sins? If he is backslidden he has given evidence of living in his sins instead of forsaking them. There are many professing believers living in sin for one reason or another – to get their needs met, loss of conviction of sin, carelessness, ignorance and lust to name a few. And, we have all seen heartache as a result.
Now what about repentance unto salvation? A repentance unto salvation must be made at the foot of the cross. This is where the power of saving grace comes in. A person must truly examine himself to see if he has been fooling himself. As was noted in the last newsletter; “true repentance will be after a godly manner. For a man repents when he turns to God, sees his conduct as God sees it (sin), submits to God’s judgment and asks God to forgive him.”
I have led many to Christ who have had some sort of church background but never were truly saved. I take them to various Scriptures showing the way of salvation. An acknowledgment of their sins and their offense against God comes to light. They see that Christ died for their sins in a new and fresh way. They repent of their sins, and behold, there is a sense of a weight lifted off of them, a burden removed, and the peace of God floods in. They then enter into the Kingdom of God as “a new creation; old things have passed away and all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17 Their countenance is lifted, salvation has come, and they rejoice! Truly a supernatural repentance unto salvation has taken place. New help has arrived from above for their issues. And God , in His love, will help them. For we know who this God is, He is the God of the Scriptures. He is Jesus Christ. Look what He says; “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST!” That, my friends, is the power of the gospel. Oh, what a Savior!
Do you have repentance unto salvation? Have you been living a lie? Surrender now and come to Jesus at the cross. Ask forgiveness for your sins for He will surely save you!
Until next time, the Lord bless you,