1. Foundations of our faith: REPENTANCE Penge Baptist Church 6 th November 2011

2. What is repentance? Heartfelt sorrow at sin Renouncing sin Commitment to forsake sin and walk in obedience with Christ Why “From acts that lead to death”? –For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)

3. Repentance on coming to faith It’s not just sorrow at sin –Judas and Peter –Paul: “I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) –Esau: “Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.” (Hebrews 12:17)

4. Repentance and faith in Christ come together He must be Lord as well as Saviour!

5. Faith without repentance insufficient –You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder (James 2:19) –Jesus said “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29) –“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6- 7) –I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21) –repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God (Hebrews 6:1)

6. Bible texts may use “shorthand” –For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) –Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38) Jesus declares salvation after repentance –Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10)

7. Repentance as a lifelong process “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:4) Jesus said “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5)