Repentance is Necessary

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Jesus said that repentance is necessary! “. . . except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5).

Why is repentance is necessary? Because all fall short of the glory intended for those created in the divine image. We were created for righteousness and we must repent to find that path.

In Ephesians 2:2, the Apostle Paul speaks of the natural man who walks "according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience."

This is the path upon which we walk that leads to death. Repentance is what happens when we turn and go back to the beginning where we are directed to the path of righteousness by the Holy Spirit.

Without repentance and returning to the authority and worship of God, the individual cannot please God. Further, the unrepentant individual contributes to the moral breakdown of society by choosing darkness and deception above the light of Christ and His truth.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; . . Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Rom 1:18, 21, 22).

Becoming a disciple of Christ is accepting a lifestyle of bringing every thought under subjection to His will. Believing and living according to His Word. Accepting the necessity of one's dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment (John 14:26; Gal 6:7). Being Jesus Christ’s disciple is a lifestyle of repentance and obedience of faith (Rom 16:25, 26). Forgiveness follows repentance. Regeneration follows forgiveness.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is the greatest challenge a person can face and also the greatest joy!