The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

The power of the resurrection is at work in you. (Ephesians 1:20)

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus: Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.“

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Jesus’ preaching: Mark 1:14-15 Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Jesus’ preaching The Disciples’ preaching: Luke 24:45-48 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Jesus’ preaching The Disciples’ preaching The Church’s preaching to the world: Acts 17:30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness Repentance is a gift and a privilege: Acts 11:18 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." 2 Timothy 2:25-26 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness • Judges 2:1-5 The angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I swore to give to your forefathers. I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you, 2 and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.' Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? 3 Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you." 4 When the angel of the LORD had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud, 5 and they called that place Bokim. There they offered sacrifices to the LORD.

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

Brokenness Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

Brokenness Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Example of the horse

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

Brokenness Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Example of the horse Before God I have nothing to offer. No excuses – honest confession No manipulation The offense is against God Psalm 51:4 & others

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

No Self Righteousness = the opposite of repentance John 9:40-41 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" 41 Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

Not confessing other people’s sins my sin = log other’s sin = speck

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

Not worldly sorrow 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

sorrow for offense to God? ownership of the sin? or sorrow for being exposed? or sorrow for the consequences?

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

Turning to God My only hope = the cross

The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. confession (repentance) forgiveness cleansing