Our willingness to repent is an indicator of openness to acknowledge something is wrong and a change is needed. That is openness to a change of direction in our life. However, is this openness solely about change we bring about ourselves or does it include an openness to truly surrendering to the transformation God desires to work in our life?
That an expectation of change is associated with repentance is clear from John the baptizer’s interaction with Jewish leaders. As John was preparing the way for the ministry of the Lord, foundational to his preaching was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 ESV) But when some of the leaders came out to him, we read. . .
“(7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:7-8 ESV)
Clearly a change in life is the expectation associated with repentance. John noted an expectation of fruit associated with repentance. But it includes more than just a change of direction in our walk.
It has been said, “We repent enough to be forgiven, but do we surrender enough to be changed?” (Grogan Ryan)
This is something to prayerfully consider. If we are being transformed by the Spirit of God, then the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) will be part of the evidence. Our need in turning to God is that of openness to fully surrendering to Him for the transformation He desires and can make possible in our life; getting us back to sharing His likeness. (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:14-16)
As Paul noted in his letter to Christians at Corinth. . .
“(17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
Earlier, Paul had also stated. . .
“(17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (18) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 ESV)
Let us keep self out of the way of what the Lord desires to do in our life. May we continue surrendering to the changes He can bring about as we are led toward the fullness of it.
As John encouraged. . .
“(1) See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (2) Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (3) And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3 ESV)
God has a desire; for us to share His holy essence. God has provided the means; for us to be sanctified and transformed in Christ. And God is able; to get us from where we are to where He wants us. May we surrender more fully to Him and allow the process of His Spirit to do His work in and through us!
Have a great day REMAINING CHANGEABLE IN CHRIST!
Carl
