Understanding Repentance and Salvation in Christianity
Do you find yourself desiring to repent, but wondering if it truly signifies that you have not committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Or do you struggle with keeping promises and falling into sin, even speaking against the Holy Spirit in your moments of distress? poignant and profound questions.
Recognizing the Need for Jesus
Here is the truth: You are an ordinary sinner.
It is crucial to understand that you cannot transform yourself. It is not within your power to make right what has gone wrong. This is why Jesus is necessary. Instead of focusing on what you should not be doing and making promises about that, start by doing what God has told you to do, as recorded in His Word. Begin by establishing a daily discipline of reading your Bible and conversing with God. Use the Lord’s Prayer as your starting template and start praying according to the word of God. Incorporate Bible verses in your prayers, especially those that affirm your status as a child of God.
The Bible: A New Operating System
The Bible acts like a new operating system. To see a change in your life, it must be fully installed and operational. Begin by reading the New Testament, starting with John, Acts, Hebrews, and Romans. Once you finish, revisit the Old Testament, starting with Matthew and reading through to Jude. Finally, start in Genesis and read all the way to Revelation.
Just as with installing software, the Bible requires active engagement. Make a habit of reading or listening to it regularly, even if you don’t understand everything at first. Make it a practice to think on what you read, ask questions of the Holy Spirit, listen for His answers, and discuss what you learn with other believers.
Making the Decision to Repent
Yes, you can repent. And it is valid for a lifetime of sins, from the moment of your birth until your death.
Consider the words of the Apostles and the Bible, which encourage us to pray for the restoration of a brother who has fallen into sin. 1 John 5:16 states, 'If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death he will ask and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.' (NIV)
James 5:19–20 reminds us, 'Brethren if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.' John 1:9 further assures, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'
God's faithfulness and justice are unwavering. He sticks with us and does not deprive us of forgiveness when we seek it. Jesus has given us the power to overcome sin as we submit to Him.
Remember, the path to true transformation and salvation involves three key steps: establishing a daily habit of reading and conversing with God, installing the new operating system through active engagement with the Bible, and stopping the use of the old program files by making genuine, lifelong repentance.