Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham
Luke 3:8-9
Ordinarily, we shouldn’t be talking about the subject of repentance to people who are already born-again. My assumption is that the only reason you are reading this is because you have first accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour. However, assumption is the lowest level of knowledge, so just in case my assumption about you is wrong then you should drop this booklet now and first seek to reconcile with God. If my assumption is correct, then we must still re-examine what it means to repent actually.
What does it mean to repent? The meaning of the word “repent” is critical. “Repent” is translated from the Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō), which means “to change” or “to change one’s mind”. It means to have a change of heart. It means to make a serious change in one’s life.
In other words, “repent” in this context would be to divert from those activities focused upon our own selves – exercised by our seeking satisfaction within materialism. To “repent” from these activities would mean to refocus towards regaining our relationship with God. This is not an action that can be performed in isolation, it must be evidenced by fruits.
This relationship between repentance and new behaviour is what John sought to describe to his Jewish brothers when he said “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” Then he gives examples of the fruits: “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise” (Luke 3:11). This means when repenting has happened inside us, it should lead to the fruit of new behaviours.
I challenge you to think about your life again today and ask this critical question ‘Is my behaviour different now that I am in Christ?’ If the answer is Yes, you need to worship God for this great work; but if your answer is No, it doesn’t matter how many years ago you made that confession, right now you must repent and ask God for help to live a new life. This is the way of a believer.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I submit my heart and life to your transformative power. May my repentance be genuine, producing fruits that align with your character. Grant me the grace to walk in love, humility, and self-control, reflecting your glory in every aspect of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
