Repent and be Thus Converted
Let us consider a thought from the Word of God addressing the all important subject of repentance. When we consider what the Lord Jesus Christ stated referring to repentance, we learn just how important this subject is. In the Gospel according to Luke we find: (Luke 13:2-5) And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? {3} I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. {4} Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem ? {5} I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
From these verses we learn that those who fail to repent will perish.
Seeing how important repentance is for everyone who reaches the years of accountability, we should be careful to notice what the Bible teaches relating to this matter. In the Bible we find that there is evidence found within those who have repented. Let’s notice some scriptures that present this for us. In the Acts of the Apostles, we find: (Acts 3:19-21) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; {20} And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: {21} Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
A careful consideration of these verses from Acts chapter three should be made in order to conclude what is being stated here. In the first verse presented, we find that people are being told to repent. From the original language, we find that the word “repent” is used in its transitive form. This is a direct statement indicating action. The next statement expresses we are to repent and “be converted”. This phrase is presented in an intransitive form. Finding this phrase in its intransitive form is a very important point. This form of this phrase indicates that one has already acted as directed. This phrase “and be converted” then means: and be thus converted. Joining all this together we find the admonition in Acts three says everyone is to, “repent and be thus converted”. With this before us, we learn that repentance is how one is converted. When one repents, they are converted.
Considering the remaining part of this verse from Acts chapter three helps us to learn that repentance brings about the remission of sins. When one repents and is thus converted, their sins have been blotted out.
We also learn from Acts chapter 3 that there is evidence found in those who have repented. When this admonition was given, those who heard learned that they would have evidence of repentance. The evidence stated here is the refreshing that would be experienced from the presence of the Lord.
This brings several verses to our mind that likewise speaks of the presence of the Lord within those who truly know the Lord. Let us consider one of those: (Gal 4:6) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Those who are the children of God have the Spirit of His Son in their hearts. This presence of the Lord is first felt when one repents. Moreover, this presence is the evidence inside of the individual that they have done what God is referring to when He had His servants to teach repentance. Without this presence within, we know that our end will be to perish. Therefore, all who cannot relate to this experience need to repent right away. It is too dangerous to put off repentance.