1. Opening The Door To Repentance Matthew 21:23-32

2. Introduction Called to repentance since Eden “When God shut the gate of Paradise to Adam, he opened the door to repentance.” (H. Leo Boles) Backed up by many passages

3. Introduction Prominent command Jesus (Luke 13:3; 24:47) Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:22) Paul (Acts 17:30) Peter (2 Peter 3:9)

4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon “Repentance is the change of mind of those who have determined to abhor their errors and misdeeds, and have determined to enter a better course of life, so that it embraces both a recognition of sin and sorrow for it and hearty agreement, the token and effects of which are good deeds…”

5. Vine’s Expository Dictionary “In the New Testament, the subject chiefly has reference to repentance from sin, and this change of mind involved both a turning from sin and a turning to God.”

6. Meaning Illustrated Parable of two sons Given the same instruction (Matthew 21:28-32) One “repented” and went Reached a turning point Changed his mind Changed his action

7. How Does it Happen? Through the Gospel Necessary for salvation (Luke 24:47) Identified by use of the “mirror” (James 1:22-25)

8. How Does it Happen? Sowing the seed Into an honest and good heart (Luke 8:15) Produces godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10) Leave a life of sin (Romans 6:16- 18)

9. What Are Motivating Factors? Goodness of God Should lead one to repent (Romans 2:4) Total dependence on Him (Acts 17:28) His unquestionable love (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4, 8, 9)

10. What Are Motivating Factors? Blessings Glory, honor, immortality, peace (Romans 2:7, 10) Thought of one day being with Him

11. What Are Motivating Factors? Prospect of perishing Emphasis on repentance (Luke 13:3) No exceptions (Romans 2:5-9)

12. How Difficult is It? Some say the most difficult Must admit we are wrong Few seem willing

13. J.W. McGarvey “When you look through the record of the Savior’s earthly ministry, you find that He induced a great many to believe in Him…But when you search for those who repented under the Lord’s preaching, you will find but few…When you go out preaching among the people of this country, you will not find it at all…”

14. J. W. McGarvey (continued) “…difficult to induce your hearers to believe the truth concerning Christ, and, when they are prepared in mind and heart for baptism, you will find it very difficult to persuade them to submit to that… You will find no difficulty, provided they have repented and desire to obey the Lord, but how difficult it is to induce men to repent.”

15. J.W. McGarvey (concluded) “… Sinners outside the church and sinners inside the church cling to their sins, and it appears impossible in many instances to bring them to repentance.” (Chapel Talks, pp. 71, 72)

16. How Difficult is It? Must recognize Jesus as Lord Many want a savior Few want a Lord (Acts 2:36) Repentance leads to life (Acts 11:18)

17. Conclusion Have you repented? Why not show the fruits of it?