Martin Luther, when he posted the ninety-five theses on the church door in Wittenberg, likely did not foresee the reformation that would unfold from that act. While many are familiar with the ninety-five theses in theory, fewer have delved into their content. Surprisingly, the first four theses focus on the concept of repentance, with the first stating:
“When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said ‘repent,’ he meant that the entire life of believers should be one of repentance.”
The notion that one's life should be characterized by repentance is a massive statement, prompting reflection on how to live out this principle practically. Looking at the examples from Scripture such as Cain and Abel, Saul and David, or Abraham and Jacob, we find a consistent pattern to follow:
Step 1: Inward Reflection
Repentance always begins with an inward movement. It may manifest as a sense of remorse or a realization of wrongdoing. Sometimes it is that nagging thought of something we did, or perhaps a loved one points something out that "rings true" in our gut. This internal stirring provides an opportunity to either address or ignore the need for repentance.
Step 2: Verbal Acknowledgment
There is something about saying things out loud that either makes them real or fake. Saying things aloud helps us determine whether the inward movement has been authentic or if we are going through the motions.
Take Saul and David, for example. Samuel confronted Saul for his sin against God and, upon hearing the consequence, Saul cried out that he would change. But God knows the heart, and there had been no inward change–Saul would say anything and do anything to keep his power. This is the opposite of David. He was convicted of his sin, and we now have an entire Psalm (51) expressing his change in heart. However, if you are not the Psalm writing type, we have the simpler version in 2 Samuel 12:13, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
No matter the shift, words follow.
Step 3: Outward Action
True repentance extends beyond internal reflections and verbal confessions to tangible actions. The transformation brought about by repentance often involves practical steps towards rectifying past wrongs, renouncing sinful behaviors, and fostering healthier practices.
In the Old Testament, this often meant burning idols, tearing down poles, removing places of worship, rebuilding a temple, sacrificing, offering, or caring for the temple. In the New Testament, it is often about the treatment of people, stopping a practice, or starting one, and often points to sinful habits that are unhealthy to continue.
Repentance can never be an inward movement only. On the contrary, true repentance always carries a shift in behavior. This outward action is precisely what God asks of his people through the prophet in Jeremiah 3:1-4.
“If you, Israel, want to come back,” says the LORD, “if you want to come back to me, you must get those disgusting idols out of my sight and must no longer go astray. You must be truthful, honest, and upright when you take an oath saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ If you do, the nations will pray to be as blessed by him as you are and will make him the object of their boasting.” Yes, this is what the LORD has said to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, do not cast seeds among thorns. Commit yourselves to the LORD; dedicate your hearts to me people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Otherwise, my anger will blaze up like a flaming fire against you that no one will be able to extinguish. That will happen because of the evil you have done.”
One Goal: Relationships Restored
The ultimate aim of repentance is the restoration of fractured relationships. Throughout history, divine calls for repentance aimed to mend the broken connections between individuals, communities, and the Creator. While reconciling a relationship with God is always within reach, rebuilding trust with each other may necessitate more prolonged efforts and a reliance on God.
Sometimes, the relationship is so broken or someone is so hurt that restoration will take time and repeated action to rebuild trust. But it starts with a life marked by repentance.
Repentance catalyzes healing and reconciliation, offering the possibility of restoring and revitalizing relationships that have faltered. By embracing the transformative power of repentance, we get to participate in defining moments that change the trajectories of lives, churches, and families!
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By Grant Hickman, Rooted Network Coach