True Repentance
Sunday, November 19
Acts 2:38 (AMP)
“And Peter said unto them,” Repent {turn from your old way of thinking, turn from you old sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah} and be baptized each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Devotion
Repentance is different from remorse or being afraid of punishment for sins. Remorse or guilt wears off and soon you are back to where you started. Being sorry does not change your old ways. It merely leads you to make a confession when you are feeling guilty or sad. But it does not save one from sin or its punishment.
True repentance as Peter talked about, is turning away from your sins. Turning away from your old life and turning to Jesus. Admitting that Jesus is the only way to heaven and the only one who can save you. Letting Him not only save you but crowning him as Lord of your life.
Following this act of repentance, you outwardly show your allegiance by undergoing water baptism. And the Holy Spirit will come and abide in you. True repentance is not just made with the mouth but with the whole heart.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the lesson of today's devotion. I confess that I sometimes do not take my repentance seriously in areas where I do not change. I invite Your discipline as a gentle and loving Father. Help me see Your heart toward my sin, so that my sorrow can be godly and not worldly. Help me not to play religious games of pretend, but to surrender more and more to Jesus and be transformed. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Apply It Today
Do not turn away from today’s devotion feeling downcast because you are reminded of your sin. If you need to repent, go ahead, there is freedom waiting for you! Cry out to Jesus. Jesus saves. If you are dwelling on a past that has already been confessed, forgiven, and left behind, then praise Jesus and let it go. Letting him be Lord includes letting go of what has already been dealt with and obeying him going forward.
Resources
- Watch the message, “How to Say Goodbye to Your Past,” and be inspired to leave it all behind and follow Jesus with your whole heart!
- What is it that is keeping you from God’s best? What are you unwilling to surrender to God? Read the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-22 and ponder those questions as that scenario pertains to you, then determine in your heart that nothing is worth losing your relationship with the Lord. Let go of whatever is holding you back. You will soon learn that He is so worth it!