What Is Repentance?

Repentance is turning from unbelief to faith in God through Christ. That is "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus  Christ" (Acts 20:21). We were going in the wrong direction, which is unbelief. We turn and go in the opposite direction, that is faith in Christ.

Left to ourselves, we have no desire to turn from the old life of sin and unbelief. We have pleasure in our sin and depravity. We see no reason to trust in Christ. Only until the Holy Spirit convicts and convinces us of our need for Christ are we awakened to our lost condition. The Spirit of grace awakens us to our condemnation in sin (John 16:8-11).

Awakened to our true condition before God, we are enabled to truly repent and trust Christ. The Spirit of grace who awakens us, also enables us to turn from the old life to become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God grants us repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). The Holy Spirit enables us to have faith in Christ (Galatians 5:5). By the grace of God, we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance is a change of mind about sin and Christ. When we repent, our hearts are transformed and our minds are renewed by the Spirit of God. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). 

God's Power Over All

God's power over all is illustrated in the Bible. "Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" (Romans 9:21). The potter is an image of God. We are like clay in his hands. The analogy of the potter reveals how God is omnipotent. As the potter has power over the clay, so God has power over all.

God's power over all is seen in creation. The Bible declares, "It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Psalm 100:3). The power of God is revealed in all of creation. Those who refuse to acknowledge God as the Creator over all must be left with the foolish conclusion that nothing made everything. Yet, God's creation reveals God's power over all.

God's power over all is revealed in Christ. After the resurrection, Christ declared all power given unto him in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). That reveals the deity of Christ. Only God has power over all. God's power is revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus "the same Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon him" (Romans 10:12).

God's power over all is experienced in salvation (Romans 1:16). The apostle Paul is our example. He testified, "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me" (Gal. 1:15-16). He became a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). He was transformed by the power of God in Christ (Romans 12:1-2). 

Be Firm In Your Faith

Your faith will be tested by the world. It will be mocked by the scoffer. It will be threatened by life situations. Nevertheless, faith's firm foundation will not change with the times, break under pressure, nor crumble into doubt and unbelief. Faith is a gift of God upon a constant, firm foundation. Faith stands upon the truth of God. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

The most important part of a house is not what the eyes can see. By far, the most important part of any house is a firm foundation. Otherwise, the house is subject to many hazards. So it is with our faith. Faith must have a firm foundation or it will not stand the test of time. 

"You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Our faith has a firm foundation upon the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the Holy Scriptures.

The Bible is a firm foundation. All Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Our faith stands upon a firm foundation. Faith based upon anything else cannot survive the test of time. "But the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8). Our faith stands firm, because the word of God stands forever.

How Grace Is Sufficient

God says, "My grace is sufficient for you"(2 Corinthians 12:9). Grace is God's gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace brings favor from God, when you don't deserve it. Grace gives you all that you receive from God. Grace can never be bought, earned, nor achieved through personal effort. Grace always comes freely from the God of all grace. 

God's grace is sufficient to give you life, abundant life, and life eternal. Believers may truly say, "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10). All we are, or ever hope to be, is by God's grace. 

God's grace is sufficient to change your life. The fullness of that grace is found in Christ alone (John 1:16). Nothing else in all the world can change you but God's grace in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Grace operates directly on your heart, to change you from the inside out. Grace changes your mind to understand the things of God. Grace changes your will to seek God. Grace changes your emotions to have a tender heart for God.

God's grace is always sufficient in Jesus Christ. It's not of your works. It's all of grace (Titus 3:5-7). Come out with your hands up. Lift your hands to the God of all grace. He alone is the One who changes you from glory into glory. Surrender to God's grace. "It was grace that brought you safe thus far, and grace will lead you home." God's grace is sufficient for you.