Why do we need to repent, since we are saved by Christ’s grace?

It is true that we owe our salvation entirely to the grace of God. Apostle Paul says in Romans 11, that the remnant of believers in Israel are “chosen by grace”, and Paul himself testifies:  “By grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (I Corinthians 15:10).

Jesus Christ has saved us from God’s judgment on our sin and internal condemnation, while salvation is only through Christ’s death on the cross, but it is not automatically given to us. For the Holy Scriptures reminds us  that although the God of all grace is the preserver of all men, giving sun and rain to good and bad alike (Matthew 5:45), it is only those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who experience God’s power to save from sin. Faith is the means by which we make the work of Christ our own, and it is our repentance that guarantees the genuine nature of our faith. It is significant that the keynote of Peter’s first sermon in Acts is repentance:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Repentance is not simply a longer word than “sorry” this is what most of people thinks, in contrast, it means a complete change of mind and outlook, a turning away from a diabolical way of life in order to tenaciously embracing Christ way of living. In the Bible, belief and behavior go together; if there is no change of life outwardly, there has been no real change of heart inwardly. Christ does not forgive the sin of the man who has not turned away from his sin.

Accordingly, we should remember that repentance is not only an essential part of conversion: It should be a part of our Christian lives. Do not think that nothing else matters once you know you are saved. Salvation is only the beginning of Christian experience: ahead of you lies, the whole purpose of God for your Christian life, a lifetime of service, of growth in the love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and in likeness to Him. No wonder Paul exhorts us: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 1:12, 13).

Have you begun to seek His will for your life? As you do so, you can be sure that Satan will try to frustrate God’s purpose and drag you down into failure and sin. The Christian need not sin, but so often we do sin, and the need for repentance may return time and time again. Do not stay sunk in defeat: repent as soon as the Holy Spirit shows where you have fallen, and trust again in the cleaning of the blood of Jesus Christ. This is what John says: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:8-9).

In I Corinthians 6:20 we read: “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

The believer indeed does not belong to himself; believer is owned by God through the cleaning price of the cross. He should live to God’s glory. Repentance is not only necessary before you believe on Christ; it should also be a daily experience in your Christian life.

By: Max Shimba

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