Are We Called to Repent? ~ Christine Malkemes
Dear Sister Disciples,
Do we really have to repent? That’s a good question. Jesus tells us, “But unless you repent, you too will perish.”
If this is true, then why are sermons on repentance few and far between?
Reading Plan: Luke 13:1-5 Repent or Perish
Perish!
Who wants to think they will die. Someday the heart will stop beating, and the breath in our lungs will fade away. When the shell is useless, then where goes the soul?
Repent or perish!
The Word
Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. Revelations 2:4-5
Before the fall, our first ancestors had no concern for the separation of the soul – they knew no death. Sin was foreign to them. But then, in one impulsive act of rebellion, sin’s death blow was swift to separate them from their loving home and faithful Creator Father God.
The body began to deteriorate, the soul shuttered, and the spirit (where we commune with God) fell asleep. Sin made us flawed creatures. Our inheritance was set in stone until a Savior came to obliterate our sentence of death – the mark of destruction.
Perish: to become destroyed or ruined. Die.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We need only repent. To us, a Son is given – a Savior is born; we need only believe and repent. He came to seek and save the lost; we need only turn from our sin, believe, and repent.
Repent: To turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life. To feel regret or remorse. To feel sorrow, regret for…
Repent is not a one-time thing. Every day, as this body lives, moves, and has it being, we need to stay the course and remain steadfast. The enemy of our soul isn’t happy.
He who calls us to Himself is He who keeps us for Himself.
God’s judgment is sure, and His patience is great.
The Word
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. II Peter 3:9
How Now Should I Live?
We should seriously consider our situation and change our minds, hearts, and actions.
Judgment Day will come to all souls. The choice we make today and all our tomorrows will reveal where we stand on that fateful day. Will it be with the faithful or…? Will it be with Jesus or…?
Jesus said, “Repent, or you too will perish.”
God is merciful despite our human sinfulness. If you’ve lost your first love – repent while you still have time.
Maranatha!
Christine Malkemes is a wife, mother, minister, and retired Army Officer. Her passion is to see women find intimacy in their relationship with the Lord. She will tell you the most powerful prayer she ever sent to heaven was "Lord, You must become more and me less!" She is on a journey to the heart of God. Will you join her.
