The value of repentance
The 17th chapter of the book of Luke contains a significant story on the value of repentance. The funny thing is that it is rarely used on the topic of repentance because it involves the healing of 10 Lepers.
Repentance, in and of itself, is a greatly misunderstood value in the kingdom. We generally think of and respond to anything involving repentance in terms of our initial salvation experience. Many tend to think of repentance in terms of sorrow or guilt over Sin and while there is that element of it in repentance, the true value of the term involves not only being sorry but also turning from or changing of a lifestyle. We talk a lot these days about "lifestyle choices", but the truth is that the only lifestyle that we were truly designed for is in following God with all of our hearts. But I digress-----
Repentance should be a part of our every day life. The closer that we get to the true holiness of God, the more we should find to change. Repentance is not just a single act but a way of life that we should learn to follow. In fact, I would dare say, that if we haven't been convicted to the point of repentance in quite some time, then we are far away from the path God has planned for us.
So, how does the story of 10 Lepers equate to repentance? I'm glad you asked! 10 men came to Jesus in the same condition. (Leprosy is also a comparitive term for the Sin we are all born into) In verse 13 they all cried out for Mercy. In verse 14 the Word declares that as they went to show the Priest, they were cleansed. (a comparitive term for the Salvation experience)Do you remember the joy that you experienced at your intitial conversion? The weight of Sin was lifted and the joy was indescribable. But yet the process of change was just beginning. It is important to note that in verse 14 they were all cleansed but here is where the true issue of repentance comes into play.
In verse 15, one of the 10 "turned back" and glorified God and sought Christ, our true Priest, out. In verse 19 Jesus told him to go his way, "his faith had made him whole!" In verse 15 he was cleansed but his act of turning back again, made him whole.
Many people today encounter the cleansing power of Christ but it is that act of true repentance, that turning around, that seeking out God to give Him glory every day that truly changes our lives. Repentance leads to completion of the good work that Christ starts in our life. Cleansed is good but whole is better!
Repentance, in and of itself, is a greatly misunderstood value in the kingdom. We generally think of and respond to anything involving repentance in terms of our initial salvation experience. Many tend to think of repentance in terms of sorrow or guilt over Sin and while there is that element of it in repentance, the true value of the term involves not only being sorry but also turning from or changing of a lifestyle. We talk a lot these days about "lifestyle choices", but the truth is that the only lifestyle that we were truly designed for is in following God with all of our hearts. But I digress-----
Repentance should be a part of our every day life. The closer that we get to the true holiness of God, the more we should find to change. Repentance is not just a single act but a way of life that we should learn to follow. In fact, I would dare say, that if we haven't been convicted to the point of repentance in quite some time, then we are far away from the path God has planned for us.
So, how does the story of 10 Lepers equate to repentance? I'm glad you asked! 10 men came to Jesus in the same condition. (Leprosy is also a comparitive term for the Sin we are all born into) In verse 13 they all cried out for Mercy. In verse 14 the Word declares that as they went to show the Priest, they were cleansed. (a comparitive term for the Salvation experience)Do you remember the joy that you experienced at your intitial conversion? The weight of Sin was lifted and the joy was indescribable. But yet the process of change was just beginning. It is important to note that in verse 14 they were all cleansed but here is where the true issue of repentance comes into play.
In verse 15, one of the 10 "turned back" and glorified God and sought Christ, our true Priest, out. In verse 19 Jesus told him to go his way, "his faith had made him whole!" In verse 15 he was cleansed but his act of turning back again, made him whole.
Many people today encounter the cleansing power of Christ but it is that act of true repentance, that turning around, that seeking out God to give Him glory every day that truly changes our lives. Repentance leads to completion of the good work that Christ starts in our life. Cleansed is good but whole is better!
posted by Ken at
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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