Repentance is not an abstract idea or notion that one gives mental assent to. It is not a religious dogma that one believes without considering its practical implications for his life and behavior. Repentance produces fruits and works in all those who have truly repented. Many people talk about repentance and its effect on the lives of the penitent. All who have repented must show the evidence of that repentance by bringing forth the fruits of repentance.
‘Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.’
Matthew 3:8-10
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Many great evangelists, pastors, prophets, and other titled ministers gather multitudes but cannot show tangible fruits of the repentance of the flock. Many people are being ministered to and pastored by ministers and pastors, but some refuse to be ministered to or pastored. They just learn one kingdom language, get occult powers, and start deceiving people. These so called men of God brag about their gifts, talents, and prosperity, and claim to go to bible school, deliverance school, and prayer school, but they are unable to bear fruit from their professed repentance. Also, they exact people, tell lies in God’s name, and prophesy falsely to take members’ money. Most of them are jobless, lazy, and are possessed by evil spirits.
True repentance leads to a change of conduct and a change of mind and must produce a change of action. It is not a mere change of opinion; it goes much deeper to bring real reformation to life. Repentance consists of a radical change of mind about God, sin, yourself, and the world. Previously, sin was delighted in, but now it is hated and mourned over. With repentance, self was esteemed, but now it is abhorred.
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It softens the hard soil of the soul and makes it receptive to the gospel seed. To repent is to confess and forsake all known sins.
‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy’
Proverbs 28:13
Without true repentance, you cannot believe in Christ and be saved. When you repent and believe in Christ, you are saved. To be secured in Christ, you must continue following Christ and obeying His words. There is no security for the rebellious or sinning Christian. If you truly repent, you give up your old ways of using evil words, such as jokes, sinful slang and conversations, and evil business tricks.