Repentance--It's Necessary

In Scotland there is a ruined tower known as the Tower of Repentance. A skeptic passed by it one day and seeing a shepherd boy reading his Bible scoffingly said, “Can you tell me the way to Heaven?” Instantly the lad replied: “By way of yonder tower!” His was the right answer. Although Jesus preached repentance it did not originate with him. It was resounded over and over by the prophets as well as the forerunner John the Baptist. This wild looking man dressed in camel’s hair proclaimed “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This message remains the hope of the world as well as our individual lives. But what does it mean? It is not merely admitting that sin has been committed. Neither is it feeling sorry for your sin. Repentance means that we experience a change in our lives. This process goes beyond forgiveness. It has been stated that "Forgiveness will make you feel better but repentance will change your life." How true this statement is. Often we deal with the act of sin but we never address the principle of sin. However, when one repents he is determined in his mind, heart, and will that change is not an option but a necessity. This is what God calls for in each of our lives. We all should find ourselves daily confessing and repenting, for this is the only way to remain in good standing with God. Once we grasp this truth it's easy to understand why I chose to name this blog "Repentance--It's necessary." Indeed it is!