Repentance - Part Two

What does repentance provide for the believer?

Romans 3:20 - 26
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Repentance provides justification or right standing with God. Justification is a change in a person's standing or relation with God. It is an act of God that frees penitent sinners from the guilt and penalties of sin.

Justification is God's answer to repentance and faith.

In "Repentance - Part One", we looked at the plight of the Israelites, God's chosen people, after their disobedience and departure from God. We read how utterly disgusted God was with them and that He said He would not help them anymore. We saw their repentant hearts toward Him. Here is His answer...

Judges 11:21
And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

To justify is to declare righteous. When God justifies a person, he acquits them, not based on their innocence, but of His own love and grace.

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Because men rebelled against God and entered into sin, there is a separation between man and God. All men are sinners by nature and are condemned by a holy and righteous God.

WE NEED JUSTIFICATION!

God transfers the guilt of the believer onto His account.

The death of Jesus made justification (righteousness) and forgiveness of sins possible.

2 Corinthains 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

How do we receive justification? How does it work?

1. By His Grace...

Titus 3:7
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

2. By His Blood...

Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

3. By Faith...

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

What does justification do?

1. Removal of the penalty of sin...

Romans 4:7
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

2. Condemnation is gone...

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

3. Peace with God...

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

4. Christ's righteousness is ours...

Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

2Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Repentance is necessary.

God commanded that all repent. Repentance must be a conscious decision to turn from sin and follow God. It is necessary for salvation; necessary for a walk with God. God desires repentance for us that we no longer go our own way.

Repentance should LOOK LIKE REPENTANCE.

Repentance justifies the believer. It is received through faith, His Grace and His Blood.

Repentance and Faith in Christ remove sin and condemnation and provides righteousness and peace with God.

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Pastor John