Works of Repentance - Acts 26:14-23
Acts 26:20,23 (KJV): “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance...That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”
WORKS OF REPENTANCE IS SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Works of repentance” are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul who was “Saul” before he believed in Jesus Christ for salvation said the following: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:1-9 KJV). Individuals think “works of repentance” is “putting confidence in the flesh.” These individuals who put “confidence in the flesh” say to others: “stop sinning”, “walk in obedience,” “dedicate life to Jesus,” “get water baptized;” however, “works of repentance” is not putting confidence in the flesh. “Works of repentance” is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stop putting “confidence in the flesh” and preach Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ died on the Cross for all sins of mankind, He was buried and He resurrected giving proof that God the Father accepted Jesus Christ death payment for sin. Trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and go to Heaven or reject what Jesus Christ has done for you and go to Hell. “Works of repentance” is preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us read how the Word of God defines “works of repentance.”
WORKS OF REPENTANCE DEFINED BY THE WORD OF GOD
In Acts 26, Paul appeals his case to King Agrippa: “And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:14-23 KJV). Remember, “repent” means “change your mind.” Paul is saying stop trusting in your works for salvation and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. He then talks about “works befitting repentance.” The “works befitting repentance” is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The “works befitting repentance” are not the following: stop sinning, feeling sorry for sin, saying the sinner’s prayer 10x’s, rededicating one’s life to Christ, etc. The “works befitting repentance” is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To be clear, let us repeat: (1), “repent” -change your mind and stop trusting in your works, rituals, sacraments for salvation, believe Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, burial, and resurrection; (2), “do works meet for repentance” -now that you are saved, share the Gospel of salvation with others.
If you have not believed, what is stopping you right now from believing? God loves you and has already died and resurrected to meet you. Believe Jesus Christ died on the Cross for your sins, burial, and resurrection and receive the greatest gift ever which is eternal life. Eternal life does not start when you die, eternal life starts the very second you believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Why not trust in Jesus Christ today for salvation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 KJV)
If you know someone who is not saved, forward this message to them and share the greatest gift that one could ever receive.
Lance Edminster
The Good News Voice
Email: thegoodnewsvoice@gmail.com
Once Saved, Always Saved -"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." (John 10:28-30 KJV)