It doesn’t take long when reading the Scriptures to see that a key component to a true relationship with God is repentance. Peter reminds us that God is patient with mankind (even delaying judgment) because He wants to see all come to repentance.
“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9 HCSB]
To repent is to change our minds and direction. It is a change that happens in the inner man. Where once we shook our fist at the will of God, repentance brings an acceptance of it. It is turning in the opposite direction we were headed and turning to God instead.
We must come to repentance to enter a relationship with God as His child. That is accomplished through the cross of Christ Jesus.
But there are also times when we must again approach God and repent of things we have done, or things we did not do that we should have done.
John reminds us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1John 1:9 HCSB]
Thankfully, when we sin, we can come to God immediately, repenting, knowing He is faithful to forgive and set us back on the path of His righteousness.
More on Repentance tomorrow.