Repentance

Memory Verse: For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.
Introduction: Repentance is a complete turn-around from the prevailing state of affairs, course of action and conduct — a complete repudiation of the status quo. The mind-set is renewed and reset, Matt.21: 28-32. This has to be a voluntary act of the sinner himself. No third party can confess and repent on behalf of the sinner. There must be no duress or coercion.
The Experience:

• It is an experience that is either part of the conversion process or might precede it, Acts 3: 19. It is a spiritual experience that prepares us for heaven, Matt.4: 17. God commanded it, Acts 17:30. It is, therefore, mandatory. Disobedience leads to eternal condemnation, Lk.13: 3.
Results:

• Attitudinal change, Lk.15: 11-21, Ps.38: 18, Lk.18: 13.

• Sins and judgement are blotted out, Isa.55: 7, Acts 3:19.

• Escape from eternal condemnation and death, Ezek.33: 14-15.

The door of repentance can be kept open for a very long time, but not forever, Matt 27:3, Heb. 12: 17, 2 Pet 3:9. Repentance causes great dancing and rejoicing in heaven. The story of the beggar and the rich man is instructive and grave. You will find it in Luke 16:22-31. It shows you do not have to be an unrepentant serial criminal, adulterer or armed robber to miss heaven. The rich man missed heaven by simply failing to help, when he could and should.
Conclusion

No human or other being is coming from heaven to earth to preach repentance all over again. It was the main and recurring theme of the ministry of John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, all the apostles and all true preachers of the gospel thereafter through the ages. So it is even today. Repentance should feature in every sermon and teaching. In Ephesians 4:28-32: Apostle Paul could not have made it simpler. ‘Let him that stole, steal no more…let no corrupt communication procced out of your mouth… anger, wrath, let all bitterness and evil speaking be put away from you…be kind…tender hearted…forgiving one another.”  There can be no repentance without a deep conviction that sin leads to hell. The Holy Spirit works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, Phil.2:13. Anyone who skips righteousness might be in great danger for he has sinned, James 4:17.

You will go about doing good, all the days of your life and the Lord will be with you in the mighty name of Jesus.