We rarely hear the word “repent” anymore in our ultra modern society. Interestingly most people want forgiveness and salvation from the Savior Yahshua, but they don’t want to repent of their wicked sins! Truth is, after Yahweh Elohim calls you as a believer, repentance of sins is one of the first steps you must obey in order to have a true relationship with Him. But what does it mean to “repent” of sins? The Bible describes repentance as a profound realization of the sins and resulting sorrow that leads people to change his or her evil thoughts and evil actions. Aside from a genuine sorrow on your part, true repentance must also include a deep sense of shame for all the sins committed. The Bible clearly says all the people on earth have committed sin against the Most High Yahweh, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of Yahweh” (Romans 3:23). The Bible also says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of Yahweh is eternal life in Yahshua Messiah” (Romans 6:23). Therefore, we declare to the people and nations on earth that salvation requires repentance of sins.

Repentance of sins is at the very heart of Yahweh’s Kingdom message. John the Baptist came preaching a message of repentance when he said: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). The apostle Paul went to the Jews and Greeks alike “preaching the kingdom of Yahweh, a message of repentance toward Yahweh and faith toward our Master Yahshua Messiah” (Acts 20:21,25). The apostle Peter’s statement that Yahweh does not desire “that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) carries the same message. Our Savior Yahshua, too, called for repentance: From that time Yahshua Messiah began to preach and to say: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Let the truth be told that the New Testament Church showed that repentance is the very first prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit of Yahweh. “Repent” was the first command issued on the day the church was “born” and “repent” was also the first word used to answer the all-important question: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The Bible could not be clearer than this about repentance as requirement for salvation! Obey Yahweh’s truth, as it shall set you free.

The Bible is very clear in pointing out that your decision of whether to repent while the window of opportunity is open to you has everlasting repercussions. There is an initial repentance, but it is very important to realize that repentance is also a process. Repentance involves continous introspection, frequent exposure to the Word of Yahweh, regular prayer, and occasional fasting. Repentance is also a Yahweh-centered state of mind that influences every aspect of one’s life. Repentance is a life of obedience to Almighty Yahweh that involves spiritual growth and a continous desire to do the will of Yahweh, not merely for the purpose of reaping the rewards of your obedience, but because it is right in the sight of Yahweh. Cooperation with Yahweh begins with the repentance of your sins. And again, we do not hesitate to say that your decision to repent of your sins is an absolute genuine requirement for salvation! There is no getting away with it for you to be saved. Our Master and Savior Yahshua already warned all of His listeners during biblical times to repent when He said: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2,5). If you do not want to perish, do this: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We praise and honor both Yahweh and Yahshua for their mercy!

Although from time to time Yahweh hears the prayers of anyone who sincerely cries out to Him in time of need, He is not bound by His Word to do this. That is why millions of people around the world today sickened by the horrors of crimes, deaths, pains, diseases, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, sexual abuses, slaveries, injustices of every kinds, sufferings of all sorts, victims of wars around the globe, discriminations happening everywhere have asked this question: Where was Yahweh when all these chaos of human sufferings are happening? Note what Almighty Yahweh’s answer to the question from the Old Testament: “Behold, Yahweh’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your Elohim; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). The same principle is clearly found in the New Testament: A certain man Yahshua the Messiah healed of blindness stated this: “Now we know that Yahweh does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of Yahweh and does His will, He hears him” (John 9:31). And “If we (you, me, us, all peoples) say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10). You’re one hypocrite if you say that you’re sinless!

Furthermore, a correct understanding of repentance is absolutely fundamental to biblical Christianity. Repentance of sins is the divinely appointed means of repairing the relationship between Almighty Yahweh and all of humankind. Repentance is a call for change, not only change of mind, but change of behavior, as well. When a person truly repents of his past offenses against the Most High Yahweh, and casts himself on Yahweh’s mercy, relying wholly on His compassion and accepting His provisions for salvation, then that person can know in his heart that his sins have been forgiven. If a person’s repentance is genuinely from the heart, and not mere self-pity, then he or she will be impelled (but not forced) to extend to others the same mercy he or she has received. That’s the way true repentance works. Yahweh commands repentance and His command to repent demands a response. Yahweh doesn’t force anyone to repent, though. He simply makes the opportunity to repent available to all the people. This is the sense in which repentance as a gift from Yahweh should be understood. So do not ever believe a person or persons telling you that you’re now under the grace of Yahweh and you do not need to repent of your sins and to stop obeying Yahweh’s Law. That’s a big, fat lie!

Yahweh’s goodness is expressed in His patience with us. From the finite human point of view, Yahweh is “slow” in delivering His promises; but what we call “slowness” is really Yahweh’s patience with the people. Yahweh’s desire is that we come to repentance, and He patiently gives the people more time and every opportunity to do so. When people do finally repent and surrender their lives to Yahweh, He most graciously, and without hesitation, pardons their transgressions. If you have now come to the knowledge of truth, responded in genuine repentance of your sins, follow the correct baptism, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit of Yahweh, then you’re on your way to becoming the sons and daughters of the Most High Yahweh, and becoming the brothers and sisters of our Master and Savior, Yahshua the Messiah. Do not be deceived! Understand also that your disobedience to the Ten Commmandments of Yahweh is a sin that you need to repent of. The apostle Paul instructed the church at Corinth to discontinue fellowship with an immoral church member until he had repented of his sinful activity (1 Corinthians 5:1-5). Yahshua the Messiah also earnestly urges and warns all the churches to repent and turn away from practices that conflict with Yahweh’s will (Revelation 2-3). What you’re reading in front of you are true and faithful words from Almighty Yahweh, our Father. May you follow it today as your heavenly guide for the promise of salvation and eternal life. Shalom, Halleluyah!

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