The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

MAKING A U-TURN

Repentance involves conscious sorrow and regret over the former way of life and a change of course to a new direction. In short, it’s like making a U-turn, a 180-degree about-face away from the path one has been following. Mere remorse over sin is not enough, and simply acknowledging sin without turning from it only leads to death. God requires this change in people because sin, without God’s intervening grace, forcefully and destructively controls people’s lives.

The first step of change is simply acknowledging the sin and fostering the desire to change — that is where repentance starts. God calls people to repentance, and the Bible contains some gripping examples of people who repented in prayer (Ezr 9 – 10; Ps 51). God’s desire is that all people will repent of their sin and live a life in relationship with him. He issued this call to repentance through prophets such as Ezekiel, John the Baptist, Jesus and Jesus’ disciples. To those who confess their sin and turn to Jesus, God promises forgiveness and eternal life. The call to repentance is still given today, and those who heed it find God’s grace and peace in this life.

Jesus, thank you for the gift of repentance. Help me to help others see their need for it. Amen.