Why is repentance and overcoming so important?

[JohnC]

Why is repentance and overcoming so important? Why did Jesus and Paul and James and John and Moses and The Prophets devote so much scripture to repentance and overcoming?

I mean... If EVERYTHING is covered by the blood and we are "Justified by faith" - then why does it matter if we repent? Why does it matter if we overcome? Why would Jesus put so much emphasis on it - even in The Revelation AFTER The Cross was completely accomplished?

Why does Jesus and The Father want to transform our emotion, intellect, and volition BEFORE we die? Why must we learn Love, patience, kindness, longsuffering, perseverance, humility, and contentment HERE in our human bodies? Why must we "Bear the fruit of the spirit" HERE? Why is enduring through persecution and tribulation and suffering so important?

 

[Cturtle]

God was the one who instructed all those people to write about repentance. If sin had not ever entered the world and our dna then there would be no reason to have to be an overcomer. Because there would be nothing to overcome. But since sin entered the world...we have to train ourselves to be godly.
Everything that we go through here on earth is to prepare us for living in heaven for eternity.

 

[Fish Catcher Jim]

Why is repentance and overcoming so important? Why did Jesus and Paul and James and John and Moses and The Prophets devote so much scripture to repentance and overcoming?

I mean... If EVERYTHING is covered by the blood and we are "Justified by faith" - then why does it matter if we repent? Why does it matter if we overcome? Why would Jesus put so much emphasis on it - even in The Revelation AFTER The Cross was completely accomplished?

Why does Jesus and The Father want to transform our emotion, intellect, and volition BEFORE we die? Why must we learn Love, patience, kindness, longsuffering, perseverance, humility, and contentment HERE in our human bodies? Why must we "Bear the fruit of the spirit" HERE? Why is enduring through persecution and tribulation and suffering so important?

Are you asking this to see how people respond or are you asking this because you need an answer ?

 

[JohnP]

Read in Acts where Peter tells us that without repentance we do not have remission of sins, and that we can't be converted without repenting. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19)

Look at Luke 15:10 - "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Without repentance, there isn't joy. Also, take a look at Proverbs 28:13 - "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy"

So why is repentance and overcoming so important? Because God says it is, time and time again. That is good enough for me. However, I'll see if I can take a shot at this - Because man is sinful and God is holy and sin separates us.

 

[Cturtle]

Read in Acts where Peter tells us that without repentance we do not have remission of sins, and that we can't be converted without repenting. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19)

Look at Luke 15:10 - "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Without repentance, there isn't joy. Also, take a look at Proverbs 28:13 - "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy"

So why is repentance and overcoming so important? Because God says it is, time and time again. That is good enough for me. However, I'll see if I can take a shot at this - Because man is sinful and God is holy and sin separates us.

I fully agree
Another good scripture is in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 repentance is a gift. And it breaks the hold that sin has on us.

 

[CCW95A]

What is it we have that overcomes? Our faith.

1Jn 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

 

[JohnP]

What is it we have that overcomes? Our faith.

1Jn 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

This ties it all in very nicely for me. I just had a very edifying conversation about faith in another thread tonight.

 

[Abdicate]

Why is repentance and overcoming so important? Why did Jesus and Paul and James and John and Moses and The Prophets devote so much scripture to repentance and overcoming?

I mean... If EVERYTHING is covered by the blood and we are "Justified by faith" - then why does it matter if we repent? Why does it matter if we overcome? Why would Jesus put so much emphasis on it - even in The Revelation AFTER The Cross was completely accomplished?

Why does Jesus and The Father want to transform our emotion, intellect, and volition BEFORE we die? Why must we learn Love, patience, kindness, longsuffering, perseverance, humility, and contentment HERE in our human bodies? Why must we "Bear the fruit of the spirit" HERE? Why is enduring through persecution and tribulation and suffering so important?

Because it's the opposite of what Adam did. Adam took the authority of God away by being disobedience. So the Last Adam had to come and learn obedience to do what the first Adam failed to do. As such, we are to walk in the path of our Leader in this life, just as He did. In trials, in tribulations, in power. It's all fine and dandy people start the journey, but it's not ok they sit down after the first step. The rewards are not for crossing the finish line, but for the race. Because He completed all the steps ordered by the Father, all was given to Him, seen and unseen, all authority. Then He gave it to us, His Bride (the Two shall become One flesh), but we too must learn obedience and overcome sin just as He did so others will not only see that we are Christ's but demonstrate in power so they can join the race.

 

[JohnC]

So... You guys have all made a great case that God DOES care about repentance and overcoming.....

The closest anybody here has answered so far to the "Why" is @JohnP - "Because God says so"....

But WHY? WHY is this such an important issue that a LOT of scripture in the bible is devoted to OUR repentance?

I get the witness of God's power and God's faith to others.... The witness that "God is able".... But - is there MORE than this? I think there is...

Do the changes wrought upon our spirit from Repentance/overcoming/holding fast/enduring tribulation and suffering/relying solely upon God's Strength, Power, and Authority end when our physical bodies here die? Are there changes to our "Spirit" that will persist into heaven and into the resurrection?

Yes? No? Ever thought about this?

 

[Major]

Why is repentance and overcoming so important? Why did Jesus and Paul and James and John and Moses and The Prophets devote so much scripture to repentance and overcoming?

I mean... If EVERYTHING is covered by the blood and we are "Justified by faith" - then why does it matter if we repent? Why does it matter if we overcome? Why would Jesus put so much emphasis on it - even in The Revelation AFTER The Cross was completely accomplished?

Why does Jesus and The Father want to transform our emotion, intellect, and volition BEFORE we die? Why must we learn Love, patience, kindness, longsuffering, perseverance, humility, and contentment HERE in our human bodies? Why must we "Bear the fruit of the spirit" HERE? Why is enduring through persecution and tribulation and suffering so important?

Repentance is a basic requirement of God.

Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist taught, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
Mark 1:15 - Mark's summary of Jesus' message includes: "Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Luke 13:3 - Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
Mark 6:12 - Jesus sent the apostles to preach that people should repent.
Acts 2:38 - In the first gospel sermon, Peter preached, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you for the remission of sins..."
Acts 17:30 - God commands all men everywhere to repent.
Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent."

My dear brother, the basic message of the gospel is change. To be forgiven of sins, you need to change. To please God you need to change. To receive eternal life you need to change. This emphasis on change is focused in the word "repent."

REPENT means to change directions. You were once going YOUR way. Living in sin and following the prince of this world Satan.
Then when God calls you He insists that YOU change YOUR direction and now follow HIM! CHANGE!!!!

The change of mind required by the gospel is repentance of sin. This involves changing ones mind about sin - making up ones mind to cease practicing sin and to become obedient to God.

Luke 24:47 .......
Those who are not God's children should be taught the need for repentance and remission of sin. What they need remission of is what they need to repent of: sin!

Acts 8:22 ........
Likewise, Christians who sin need to be taught to repent of their wickedness.

Repentance is a decision to cease committing sin and begin serving God instead.

 

[Abdicate]

So... You guys have all made a great case that God DOES care about repentance and overcoming.....

The closest anybody here has answered so far to the "Why" is @JohnP - "Because God says so"....

But WHY? WHY is this such an important issue that a LOT of scripture in the bible is devoted to OUR repentance?

I get the witness of God's power and God's faith to others.... The witness that "God is able".... But - is there MORE than this? I think there is...

Do the changes wrought upon our spirit from Repentance/overcoming/holding fast/enduring tribulation and suffering/relying solely upon God's Strength, Power, and Authority end when our physical bodies here die? Are there changes to our "Spirit" that will persist into heaven and into the resurrection?

Yes? No? Ever thought about this?

Do you even know what "repentence" means? It's Greek for "change your mind". What do we need to change our minds about? God.

 

[JohnC]

Do you even know what "repentence" means? It's Greek for "change your mind". What do we need to change our minds about? God.

and @Major

"Yes - We need to do it" ... "Yes - especially for Born again Believers" .. and I agree.... and yes - I do understand what Repentance, Overcoming, and Holding fast is.. That's fine - but it's not my question...

Given that our Sin is paid for by The Blood of Jesus on the Cross...
Given that we are FULLY Justified by Faith....
Given the Born Again Believer - NOT the unbeliever..
Given the Indwelling Holy Spirit....
Given ALL THAT - WHY do we STILL need to Repent, Hold fast, Endure, and Overcome?
Why is it SO important that it qualifies Christians for additional inheritances and rewards?

Thanks

 

[JohnP]

The closest anybody here has answered so far to the "Why" is @JohnP - "Because God says so"....

But WHY? WHY is this such an important issue that a LOT of scripture in the bible is devoted to OUR repentance?

I did address the why. I said it's because sin separates us from God.

 

[JohnC]

I did address the why. I said it's because sin separates us from God.

Thanks. I appreciate it...

It's an extremely good point - Our sin separates us from God.... It prevents us from HEARING God - why? Because "Sin" means "Error" - it's "Error" that we intentionally persist in continuing..... Why? Our rebellious nature....

Now, if you don't mind.... to follow through....

Does our Rebellious nature reside in The Flesh - which will die and be replaced.... Or... Does our Rebellious nature reside in our Spirit - which will persist?

 

[Major]

Thanks. I appreciate it...

It's an extremely good point - Our sin separates us from God.... It prevents us from HEARING God - why? Because "Sin" means "Error" - it's "Error" that we intentionally persist in continuing..... Why? Our rebellious nature....

Now, if you don't mind.... to follow through....

Does our Rebellious nature reside in The Flesh - which will die and be replaced.... Or... Does our Rebellious nature reside in our Spirit - which will persist?

The old nature of sin will never ever go away as long as we are alive.

John.....

Repentance is a decision to cease committing sin and begin serving God instead. How can that not be understood?

 

[Major]

and @Major

"Yes - We need to do it" ... "Yes - especially for Born again Believers" .. and I agree.... and yes - I do understand what Repentance, Overcoming, and Holding fast is.. That's fine - but it's not my question...

Given that our Sin is paid for by The Blood of Jesus on the Cross...
Given that we are FULLY Justified by Faith....
Given the Born Again Believer - NOT the unbeliever..
Given the Indwelling Holy Spirit....
Given ALL THAT - WHY do we STILL need to Repent, Hold fast, Endure, and Overcome?
Why is it SO important that it qualifies Christians for additional inheritances and rewards?

Thanks

See comment #11.

 

[Abdicate]

and @Major

"Yes - We need to do it" ... "Yes - especially for Born again Believers" .. and I agree.... and yes - I do understand what Repentance, Overcoming, and Holding fast is.. That's fine - but it's not my question...

Given that our Sin is paid for by The Blood of Jesus on the Cross...
Given that we are FULLY Justified by Faith....
Given the Born Again Believer - NOT the unbeliever..
Given the Indwelling Holy Spirit....
Given ALL THAT - WHY do we STILL need to Repent, Hold fast, Endure, and Overcome?
Why is it SO important that it qualifies Christians for additional inheritances and rewards?

Thanks

Well I don't know what you want... I answered you in #8

 

[Fish Catcher Jim]

So... You guys have all made a great case that God DOES care about repentance and overcoming.....

The closest anybody here has answered so far to the "Why" is @JohnP - "Because God says so"....

But WHY? WHY is this such an important issue that a LOT of scripture in the bible is devoted to OUR repentance?

I get the witness of God's power and God's faith to others.... The witness that "God is able".... But - is there MORE than this? I think there is...

Do the changes wrought upon our spirit from Repentance/overcoming/holding fast/enduring tribulation and suffering/relying solely upon God's Strength, Power, and Authority end when our physical bodies here die? Are there changes to our "Spirit" that will persist into heaven and into the resurrection?

Yes? No? Ever thought about this?

So John C why not just say what it is you are trying to show or prove or what ever it is you want ?

 

[JohnC]

The old nature of sin will never ever go away as long as we are alive.

Are you saying that all rebellion, mistake, and error is contained within the flesh? This would imply there is no rebellion in heaven... This would also imply that our spirit apart from the flesh has no free will.... If our spirit has free will - then it must have the capacity for making an error..

There certainly are "sins of the flesh" - related to lusts and desires of the physical body - fear of hunger, fear of pain, lust for sex, love of the drunk feeling, physical addictions, etc... No doubt these will be gone when our physical body dies.

But what about other sins such as love of power, greed, pride, narcissism, and such.

If all capacity for sin disappears once our body dies - then why would God have hell? There would be no need of restraint or separation if all spirits perfectly obeyed God's will....

Repentance is a decision to cease committing sin and begin serving God instead. How can that not be understood?

I do not have any questions about what repentance is.

 

[Fish Catcher Jim]

Are you saying that all rebellion, mistake, and error is contained within the flesh? This would imply there is no rebellion in heaven... This would also imply that our spirit apart from the flesh has no free will.... If our spirit has free will - then it must have the capacity for making an error..

There certainly are "sins of the flesh" - related to lusts and desires of the physical body - fear of hunger, fear of pain, lust for sex, love of the drunk feeling, physical addictions, etc... No doubt these will be gone when our physical body dies.

But what about other sins such as love of power, greed, pride, narcissism, and such.

If all capacity for sin disappears once our body dies - then why would God have hell? There would be no need of restraint or separation if all spirits perfectly obeyed God's will....



I do not have any questions about what repentance is.

Again I ask you what are you trying to say John C ?
You say But what about other sins such as love of power, greed, pride, narcissism, and such.
Same stuff John and you know it........