Repentant: Believers of Jesus Christ 

Previously, we explained what repentance was and discussed its importance. Today, we will analyze the actions of those who have repented in the Bible.

We’ll first begin with King David. In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan the prophet convicted King David of his sins: committing adultery and killing Bathsheba’s husband. Nathan stated, “I anointed you King over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and took his wife to be your own. 

David acknowledged his sin in 2 Samuel 12:7-13, and then he cried for mercy in Psalm 51:1-4. 

We as human beings need to understand that we cannot be bigger or above repentance. To make it to heaven, we have to ask for forgiveness for any sins we have committed to be accepted by the Lord our God.

Next, we will look towards a criminal who repented in Luke 23:35-43. Two thieves were hanging on a cross, one spoke up and said to his accomplice, “Don’t you fear God? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.” Then he begins to address the man hanging by them, Jesus, “But this man, he’s done nothing wrong.” 

Then, having been convicted of his sin, he called on Jesus. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Instantly, Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

From this encounter, we can learn that, whatever you have done, if you repent and see your foolish ways, God will accept you back

Lastly, there is a tax collector, a sinner, who eventually repented for it. His story can be found in Luke 19:1-10.

In verse 5, the tax collector encountered Jesus Christ. Many people did not like that Jesus was with him. They would mutter things like, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner,” as seen in verse 7, a show of their disapproval. 

But Zacchaeus, the tax collector, being convicted of his sinful nature, said, “Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8)

And Jesus forgave him, replying to Zacchaeus’ comments with, “Today, Salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the son of man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:9)

Repentance is one of the cornerstones of Jesus Christ’s ministry and should be important to believers.

Thank you for reading! You can expect a continuation on September 1st.