T h e D e a th The Keys Opening the truths in God's word

The Death

Our next three lessons are on the 3 key components to salvation. Our spiritual death, burial, and resurrection as found in Acts 2:38, foreshadowed in the Old Testament, and made possible through Christ’s physical sacrifice for us. This first lesson is on true repentance, our dying out to sin.

Repentance

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out… Acts 3:19

4/14/13

Definition…

The definition of repentance is…

To feel remorse, contrition (sincere remorse for wrong doing), or self reproach; To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it; To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins. The American Heritage Dictionary

Definition… A turning away from sin, disobedience, or rebellion and a turning back to God...True repentance is a godly sorrow for sin.

In today’s society, it is critical that people understand that they are sinners, unworthy of God's grace. People today feel that being a generally good person is all that is really necessary to go to Heaven. God requires us to turn away from the wrong things that we do and to turn towards Him.

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

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T h e D e a th Proof of Repentance… People tend to portray one of two types of repentance… 1. Godly Sorrow: A genuine sorrow for the sin that they have committed in their life.

True repentance must be both a remorse for ones sin, not just the penalty for sinning, and a change of lifestyle. Worldly sorrow is usually seen when people are in the stage of paying for their sin. Our actions (works or fruits) after the fact will prove our repentance is real.

2. Worldly Sorrow: A genuine sorrow for the fact that they were caught in their sin and/or will have to pay the penalty for sinning. This is not true repentance but is often confused with (interpreted as) a repentant heart.

Proof of Repentance…

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.

John the Baptist told the Pharisees and the Sadducees that he wanted to see proof of their repentance. In other words, he was looking for a change of lifestyle.

Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8 (KJV)

…Do something to show that you have really given up your sins... Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8 (CEV)

Proof of Repentance… For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of [again]: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you [not to sin], yea, what clearing of yourselves [of guilt], yea, what indignation [for sin], yea, what fear [of sin and its results], yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal [to do what's right], yea, what revenge [against Hell]! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

True sorrow for the sin in our lives brings the necessary change to be pleasing to God. Along with the change comes all of the benefits of this verse.

II Corinthians 7:10-11

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T h e D e a th Steps of Repentance… Recognizing that there is sin in our life…

It doesn’t matter how good you are, we are all sinners and in need of repentance.

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

Steps of Repentance… Recognizing that there is sin in our life…

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

Steps of Repentance… A Godly sorrow for our sin...

Simply acknowledging that we are sinners is not enough. We must truly be sorry that we have wronged our creator.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17

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T h e D e a th Steps of Repentance… A Godly sorrow for our sin...

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. II Corinthians 7:10

Steps of Repentance… Confessing our sin before God…

You cannot go any further in your walk with God until you pass this step

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

Steps of Repentance… Confessing our sin before God…

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Saying ‘I’m sorry’ seems to be one of the hardest things for people to do nowadays. Don't blame someone else for your actions. Take responsibility for them. Admit them: To God, or those that have been offended, or whoever would be appropriate, and move on.

Proverbs 28:13

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T h e D e a th Steps of Repentance… Turning away from sin…

If we are truly sorry for what we have done, we will be careful not to do it any more.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Steps of Repentance… Turning away from sin…

…Who warned you to run from the coming judgment? Do something to show that you really have given up your sins… Luke 3:7-8 (CEV)

Steps of Repentance… Turning away from sin…

…Stop sinning and turn to God! Then prove what you have done by the way you live. Acts 26:20 (CEV)

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T h e D e a th Steps of Repentance… Making restitution…

The final step of repentance is trying to right those that you have wronged. It’s not always possible or reasonable to make restitution for past sins in your life but if you can, you should try.

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:23-24

Steps of Repentance… Making restitution…

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house… Luke 19:8-9

Steps of Repentance… ●

Recognizing that there is sin in our life...

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A Godly sorrow for our sin...

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Confessing our sin before God…

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Turning away from sin…

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Making restitution…

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Examine your life. Have you truly applied the steps of repentance to your life. If you haven’t, start today!

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