Lesson
8
Repentance
III. Repentance
Repentance was the
first of the three steps in God's plan for salvation, delivered on the day of
Pentecost. It is defined: Repentance—to experience godly sorrow and conviction
for past sins, and resolutely to turn from them. Repentance is the act of turning
away from a life of sin. The Scriptures stress in the strongest terms, that
repentance is essential to salvation.
A. Sodom and
Gomorrah
(Genesis
19)—Failed to repent. Because of this, these cities were destroyed by
fire and brimstone.
B. Jonah
(Matthew
12:41)—The men of Ninevah repented at the preaching of Jonah. Jesus said
this fact would condemn those who refused to repent in our generation.
C. John the Baptist
Commanded in his
ministry to all of Judea that they must repent, and prepare their hearts for
the kingdom of heaven.
D. Jesus Christ
(Luke
13:3)—Spoke often in these terms, "I tell you, nay: but, except ye
repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
E. The Great Commission
(Luke 24:47)—The
last words of Jesus before His ascension commanded repentance.
F. The
Day of Pentecost
Acts
2:38)—Repentance is the initial part of the plan of salvation as spoken
by the Apostle Peter.