A Life Without Repentance

In the Word of God, we learn that repentance is of the utmost importance in every person’s life.  However, according to the Lord’s statement recorded in the Gospels, many will neglect to repent.  This statement is found in the Gospel according to Matthew: (Mat 7:13-14) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: {14} Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  As the scriptures plainly teach, the way one finds the way “which leadeth unto life” is by repentance.  If one has not found life, they are on the broad road leading to destruction all due to neglecting to repent.

Let us consider some of the verses teaching about repentance and in so doing we will be able to get a better sense of what a life without repentance is like.  Notice a verse from the Acts of the Apostles that teaches the results of true repentance.  (Acts 3:19) 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.  Here we find that one who repents is converted.  So then, when one repents, they are converted.  Those who have not repented are not converted.  The result of repentance is also stated in this verse.  Notice that the one who repents is “refreshed” because of the “presence of the Lord”.  The one who has repented has it brought to their attention that their sins have been blotted out by this “refreshing”.  From this verse we learn that those who live a life without repentance live in their sins, unconverted, and without the refreshing presence of the Lord.

Let us consider other verses dealing with the subject of repentance.  (Psa 32:5-6) I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. {6} For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee in a time when Thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto Him.   In these verses we learn that the godly also need to remember that they are expected to repent when they come short of doing the will of God.  Other verses that present this same teaching is found in 1st John.  (1 John 1:8-9) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. {9} If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  These verses present the same thoughts found in those copied here from the Psalms.  Notice that those who believe that they have no need of seeking God’s forgiveness are deceiving their own self.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, yet He in His mercy is faithful to cleanse those who confess or acknowledge their wrongs to Him.  Once a person has found the refreshing presence of the Lord, they still have need of confession to God for the wrongs they commit along life’s journey.  They do so by repenting of these wrongs.

We find then that these who live a life without repentance live a life of deceit.  The one that is deceiving them is found to be their own self.  Moreover, those who live this way are not found cleansed of their wrongs.  Those people who are born of the Spirit but living without repentance are found with unclean lives.  We realize that it is NOT the soul of these individuals that has sinned, yet they are responsible for their actions and carry the responsibility of neglecting to find forgiveness.  Let us all use care to be found repentant toward God.