Repentance

Luke 13:1-5
    We live in a day and time where the world at large does not take criticism well. As a matter of fact, you may hear phrases like, “Be your authentic self” “privilege of a lifetime is to be who you truly are” “Be who you want to be” or “Be true to who you are.” Often what these phrases mean that you are “perfect just the way you are.” It is true that Mankind is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26) fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that God knows us and formed us (Jer. 1:5). It is also true that man is a sinful creature (Rom. 3:23). When we step out of that image that we were formed in, we need to change. When we do sin, we are to repent and turn again to God (Acts 3:19). We live in an age where any critic on a person can be taken as hostile and you aren’t supporting their “authentic self.” Our TRUE authentic self is made in the image of God, and when we step out of that image then it is the obligation of our Christian brethren to help us return to that image (James 5:19-20). Peter and the rest of the eleven boldly stood (Acts 2:14) in front of 15 different assembled nations (Acts 2:9-11) and proclaimed the Gospel (Acts 2:22-25). At the conclusion of that sermon many were “pierced to the heart” and wanted an answer. His answer was that they “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;” (Acts 2:37-38). By telling the men to repent, was Peter “denying their authentic self?” Peter also told Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray the Lord to forgive him (Acts 8:22-24). See, telling someone the truth of the Bible is in no way, shape, or form a bad thing! It is the only thing that can save their souls (Rom. 1:16). Many will say that it is judgmental, hateful, or wrong. But the Lord’s church should be more concerned with getting someone to heaven (Luke 19:10) than telling them to, “Be who you want to be.” I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley