The Importance of Repentance

By: Jayla Early

For years we are told to repent of our sins, and while we may do so what is the importance behind repentance and what does repentance mean in the Bible? In the Bible repentance is a change of mind and a change of heart, and we see this being spoken by Paul in Acts 20:21. "I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus." (NIV) In our everyday lives we don't always see the importance behind what we do, say, or even think, and whether we realize it or not, there is significance behind everything that we do. In this article, I will give some examples as to why Repentance is important!

1. Heart Posture

When it comes to the importance of Repentance heart posture plays a tremendous role. When we truly repent of our sins our heart changes. When we repent to God of our sins, we are rendering our hearts allowing God to continue to work on us and get rid of things that no longer are needed so we can live the Holy life that He has called us to live!

2. Intimacy with GOD

When we repent, we are growing our relationship with God. We are confessing our faults to God; we are allowing Him in our hearts. Think about it like this, when you are having a conversation with a friend, and you are being vulnerable with them and opening up to them about something you feel is important doesn't the relationship between you and your friend grow? The same thing happens with GOD! "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, NIV).

3. Humility

Repentance brings about humility as well. This is because we are in a space with GOD where we are putting our flesh aside, we are putting our emotions aside and we are being real with GOD we are exposing our hearts and thoughts to GOD.

4. Spiritual Hinderance

Repentance brings about spiritual growth. When one does not repent they are only hurting themselves, when we sin we hinder and slow down our spiritual growth. Not repenting can even stop and delay God's blessings. As spiritual beings we are at a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit, and the flesh wants the world that is why it is important that we repent to not only set our spirit free from sin and ask God for forgiveness but, to also experience the true power of GOD!