We cannot go our Christian life without knowing about repentance and why it is important.
The early church leader, Peter, mentioned in his first public preaching after Jesus ascended into heaven, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
Is repentance essential to receiving God's forgiveness?
From the order of the passage, the answer is yes. To repent means "to change one's mind about sin." (http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=20925&forum=34&1)
To change one's mind about sin is to realize that sin is indeed wrong and you want to turn away from it because it displeases God. Repentance according to the source above does not mean to stop sinning as we may still sin. But it means that we don't enjoy it any longer and want to live the rest of our life pleasing God in every area. The Bible clearly says godly sorrow is true repentance.
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done."
(2 Corinthians 7:10-11)
What happens when we have truly repented?
Christ is free to do a work in our hearts. We invite Him in and yield to follow His will.
What happens when our repentance is marked with pretense?
The Bible is also clear - worldly sorrow brings death. Such sin is not completely healed in your life and you are still walking in your old life away from God.
To repent is to turn 180° AWAY from our old life and its ways and turning TO the Lord Jesus Christ and His ways. God does His part in changing us, making our hearts clean and new as we yield to His work in our lives. Repenting is cooperating with God and yielding to Him as He changes our lives step by step.
Being a Christian is not a religion or a denomination or a birthright. Being a Christian is a changed heart and lifestyle that leads to salvation and leaves no regret. Such life is free to walk in the ways of the Spirit, no longer of the flesh. The Bible is clear that those who walk in the Spirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). God knows those who are His and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness (2 Timothy 2:19).
If there is anything you know you have to repent of before God, you can say a prayer like this:
"Lord Jesus, I have _____(confess your sin)______________________ in my life and heart. I can no longer live with this (sin) in my life. Please help me to change and forgive me for my sin. I confess that I have indeed sinned and in need of your mercy and forgiveness. I renounce and repent of the _____(confess your sin)____ in my life and heart. I am now committed to be your follower.
I am Yours from now on. Please come into my life. Change my heart and life. In Jesus Name, Amen."
The Bible promises that though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). God will cleanse you and bring healing into your life.
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