Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
The word repentance in the Bible literally means “the act of changing one’s mind.” True biblical repentance goes beyond remorse, regret, or feeling bad about one’s sin. It involves more than merely turning away from sin. Eerdmans Bible Dictionary includes this definition of repentance: “In its fullest sense it is a term for a complete change of orientation involving a judgment upon the past and a deliberate redirection for the future.”
In the Old Testament, repentance, or wholehearted turning to God, is a recurring theme in the message of the prophets. Repentance was demonstrated through rituals such as fasting, wearing sackcloth, sitting in ashes, wailing, and liturgical laments that expressed strong sorrow for sin. These rituals were supposed to be accompanied by authentic repentance, which involved a commitment to a renewed relationship with God, a walk of obedience to His Word, and right living. Often, however, these rituals merely represented remorse and a desire to escape the consequences of sin.
When the ancient prophets beckoned the people to repent and return, they were calling for a complete turnaround inspired from within the heart and will of the individual. The prophets called both the nation of Israel and individual people to surrender their lives, to turn away from a life ruled by sin to a relationship with God, the sovereign ruler over all: “Even now—this is the LORD’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the LORD your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster” (Joel 2:12–13, CSB).
The theme of repentance continues in the New Testament, beginning with John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2) and then Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:17); both urgently called people to repent because the arrival of the Kingdom of God was at hand. Many chose this radical reorientation of their lives and demonstrated repentance through baptism (Mark 1:4) and profound changes in lifestyle and relationships (Luke 3:8–14).
Three Greek words used in the New Testament help us understand the full meaning of repentance in the Bible. The first is the verb metamelomai, which denotes a change of mind that produces regret or even remorse for wrongs done, but not necessarily a change of heart and action. This word is used in Matthew 27:3 to describe the guilt Judas felt over betraying Jesus.
The second verb, metanoeo, means “to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge.” This verb and its related noun, metanoia, denote true biblical repentance, which is characterized by four elements:
1) True repentance involves a sense of awareness of one’s own guilt, sinfulness, and helplessness (Psalm 51:4–10; 109:21–22).
2) True repentance apprehends or takes hold of God’s mercy in Jesus Christ (Psalm 51:1; 130:4).
3) True repentance means a change of attitude and action regarding sin. Hatred of sin turns the repentant person away from his or her sin to God (Psalm 119:128; Job 42:5–6; 2 Corinthians 7:10).
4) True repentance results in a radical and persistent pursuit of holy living, walking with God in obedience to His commands (2 Timothy 2:19–22; 1 Peter 1:16).
The focus of Jesus Christ’s mission was to call sinners to repentance: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). His call of absolute surrender goes out to all people: “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:5). In His farewell to the disciples, Jesus commanded that they take His message of repentance and faith to all the nations (Luke 24:47).
Repentance in the Bible involves a complete change of heart and mind, leading to different actions (Acts 26:20). Repentance recognizes that our sin is offensive to God. To repent is to make an about-face, a heart-directed turn away from self to God. Repentance sets us on a new trajectory, away from the past toward a future ruled by God’s commands. Repentance acknowledges that the Lord reigns supreme over our existence.
Die woord bekering in die Bybel beteken letterlik “die daad van verandering van ‘n mens se gedagtes.” Ware Bybelse bekering gaan verder as berou, spyt of om sleg te voel oor ‘n mens se sonde. Dit behels meer as om bloot weg te draai van sonde. Eerdmans Bybelwoordeboek sluit hierdie definisie van bekering in: “In sy volste sin is dit ‘n term vir ‘n volledige verandering van oriëntasie wat ‘n oordeel oor die verlede en ‘n doelbewuste heroriëntering vir die toekoms behels.”
In die Ou Testament is bekering, of heelhartige bekeering na God, ‘n herhalende tema in die boodskap van die profete. Bekering is gedemonstreer deur rituele soos vas, die dra van saklinne, in as sit, weeklag en liturgiese klaagliedere wat sterk berou oor sonde uitgespreek het. Hierdie rituele moes gepaard gaan met outentieke bekering, wat ‘n verbintenis tot ‘n hernieude verhouding met God, ‘n wandel van gehoorsaamheid aan Sy Woord en regte lewe behels het. Dikwels het hierdie rituele egter bloot berou en ‘n begeerte om die gevolge van sonde te ontsnap, verteenwoordig.
Toe die antieke profete die mense gewink het om hulle te bekeer en terug te keer, het hulle ‘n volledige ommekeer gevra, geïnspireer vanuit die hart en wil van die individu. Die profete het beide die nasie Israel en individuele mense opgeroep om hulle lewens oor te gee, om weg te draai van ‘n lewe wat deur sonde regeer word na ‘n verhouding met God, die soewereine heerser oor alles: “Selfs nou – dit is die spreekwoord van die HERE – bekeer julle tot My met julle hele hart, met vas, geween en rou. Skeur julle harte, nie net julle klere nie, en bekeer julle tot die HERE julle God. Want Hy is genadig en barmhartig, lankmoedig en vol troue liefde, en Hy het berou oor die ramp” (Joël 2:12–13).
Die tema van bekering duur voort in die Nuwe Testament, beginnende met Johannes die Doper (Matteus 3:2) en dan Jesus Christus (Matteus 4:17); beide het mense dringend opgeroep om hulle te bekeer omdat die koms van die Koninkryk van God naby was. Baie het hierdie radikale heroriëntering van hulle lewens gekies en bekering gedemonstreer deur die doop (Markus 1:4) en diepgaande veranderinge in lewenstyl en verhoudings (Lukas 3:8–14).
Drie Griekse woorde wat in die Nuwe Testament gebruik word, help ons om die volle betekenis van bekering in die Bybel te verstaan. Die eerste is die werkwoord metamelomai, wat ‘n verandering van denke aandui wat spyt of selfs berou oor verkeerde dade veroorsaak, maar nie noodwendig ‘n verandering van hart en daad nie. Hierdie woord word in Matteus 27:3 gebruik om die skuldgevoelens te beskryf wat Judas gevoel het oor die verraaiing van Jesus.
Die tweede werkwoord, metanoeo, beteken “om ‘n mens se denke en doel te verander, as gevolg van latere kennis.” Hierdie werkwoord en sy verwante selfstandige naamwoord, metanoia, dui op ware Bybelse bekering, wat deur vier elemente gekenmerk word:
1) Ware bekering behels ‘n gevoel van bewustheid van ‘n mens se eie skuld, sondigheid en hulpeloosheid (Psalm 51:4–10; 109:21–22).
2) Ware bekering begryp of gryp God se genade in Jesus Christus aan (Psalm 51:1; 130:4).
3) Ware bekering beteken ‘n verandering van houding en daad teenoor sonde. Haat vir sonde keer die berouvolle persoon weg van sy of haar sonde na God (Psalm 119:128; Job 42:5–6; 2 Korintiërs 7:10).
4) Ware bekering lei tot ‘n radikale en volgehoue nastrewing van heilige lewe, om met God te wandel in gehoorsaamheid aan Sy gebooie (2 Timoteus 2:19–22; 1 Petrus 1:16).
Die fokus van Jesus Christus se sending was om sondaars tot bekering te roep: “Ek het nie gekom om die regverdiges te roep nie, maar sondaars tot bekering” (Lukas 5:32). Sy oproep tot absolute oorgawe gaan uit na alle mense: “Maar as julle julle nie bekeer nie, sal julle ook almal vergaan.” (Lukas 13:5). In Sy afskeid aan die dissipels het Jesus beveel dat hulle Sy boodskap van bekering en geloof na al die nasies neem (Lukas 24:47).
Bekering in die Bybel behels ‘n volledige verandering van hart en denke, wat lei tot verskillende aksies (Handelinge 26:20). Bekering erken dat ons sonde aanstootlik is vir God. Om berou te hê, is om ‘n ommeswaai te maak, ‘n hartgerigte wegdraai van jouself na God. Bekering plaas ons op ‘n nuwe trajek, weg van die verlede na ‘n toekoms wat deur God se bevele regeer word. Bekering erken dat die Here oppermagtig oor ons bestaan regeer.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
—Psalm 34:7
God is present with us through the Holy Spirit and through his protecting angels. We don’t always see him, but we can know he is with us! He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He knows us inside and out and chooses to be with us in every situation (Psalm 139:1-23). Not only is our heavenly Father present with us, the angel of the Lord, who destroyed many enemies of God’s people in ancient times is now fighting to win the spiritual battles raging around you and me. God’s angels are servants sent to bless us (Hebrews 1:13-14). Along with the Holy Spirit, they help us overcome the evil one, empowering us through our struggles and past those struggles (Ephesians 3:14-21). Through their help, our Lord will bring us his deliverance! We know that the ” angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
Prayer
Give me faith, dear Father, to believe that your heavenly messengers are around me to deliver me to you with glory and great joy. Help me persevere because I know you are with me and are empowering me through the Holy Spirit’s presence within me. Thank you, in Jesus’ name. Amen and Amen .
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Die engel van die Here trek 'n laer op rondom die wat Hom vrees, en Hy verlos hulle.
—Psalm 34:7
God is by ons teenwoordig deur die Heilige Gees en deur sy beskermende engele. Ons sien Hom nie altyd nie, maar ons kan weet Hy is by ons! Hy het belowe om ons nooit te verlaat of in die steek te laat nie (Hebreërs 13:5-6). Hy ken ons van binne en buite en kies om in elke situasie by ons te wees (Psalm 139:1-23). Nie net is ons hemelse Vader by ons teenwoordig nie, die engel van die Here, wat baie vyande van God se mense in die ou tyd vernietig het, veg nou om die geestelike gevegte wat rondom jou en my woed, te wen. God se engele is dienaars wat gestuur is om ons te seën (Hebreërs 1:13-14). Saam met die Heilige Gees help hulle ons om die bose te oorkom en bemagtig ons deur ons stryd en verby daardie stryd (Efesiërs 3:14-21). Deur hulle hulp sal ons Here ons sy verlossing bring! Ons weet dat die "engel van die Here 'n laer opslaan rondom die wat Hom vrees, en Hy red hulle."
Gebed
Gee my geloof, liewe Vader, om te glo dat u hemelse boodskappers rondom my is om my aan U oor te dra met heerlikheid en groot vreugde. Help my om te volhard, want ek weet U is met my en bemagtig my deur die Heilige Gees se teenwoordigheid in my. Dankie, in Jesus se Naam. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
Many understand the term repentance to mean “a turning from sin.” Regretting sin and turning from it are related to repentance, but are not the precise meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8–14; Acts 3:19). In summarizing his ministry, Paul declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20). The short biblical definition of repentance is “a change of mind that results in a change of action.”
What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The book of Acts especially focuses on repentance in regard to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, concerning salvation, is to change your mind regarding sin and Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter calls the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about that sin and to change their minds about Christ Himself, recognizing that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter calls the people to change their minds, to abhor their past rejection of Christ, and to embrace faith in Him as their Messiah and Savior.
Repentance involves recognizing that you have thought wrongly in the past and determining to think rightly in the future. The repentant person has “second thoughts” about the mindset he formerly embraced. There is a change of disposition and a new way of thinking about God, about sin, about holiness, and about doing God’s will. True repentance is prompted by “godly sorrow,” and it “leads to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Repentance and faith can be understood as two sides of the same coin. It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about your sin and about who Jesus is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.
Repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace (Acts 5:31; 11:18). No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God’s longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).
While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly change your mind without changing your actions in some way. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented of sin and exercised faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19–23; James 2:14–26).
To see what repentance looks like in real life, turn to the story of Zacchaeus. Here was a man who cheated and stole and lived lavishly on his ill-gotten gains—until he met Jesus. At that point he had a radical change of mind: “Look, Lord!” said Zacchaeus. “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8). Jesus happily proclaimed that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’s house, and that even the tax collector was now “a son of Abraham” (verse 9)—a reference to Zacchaeus’s faith. The cheat became a philanthropist; the thief made restitution. That’s repentance, coupled with faith in Christ.
Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about your sin—no longer is sin something to toy with; it is something to be forsaken as you “flee from the coming wrath” (Matthew 3:7). It is also changing your mind about Jesus Christ—no longer is He to be mocked, discounted, or ignored; He is the Savior to be clung to; He is the Lord to be worshiped and adored.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Baie mense verstaan die term bekering as “‘n wegdraai van sonde“. Berou oor sonde en wegdraai daarvan hou verband met bekering, maar is nie die presiese betekenis van die woord nie. In die Bybel beteken die woord bekeer “om van gedagte te verander”. Die Bybel sê ook vir ons dat ware bekering ‘n verandering van optrede tot gevolg sal hê (Lukas 3:8–14; Handelinge 3:19). In ‘n opsomming van sy bediening verklaar Paulus: “Ek het gepreek dat hulle hulle tot God moet bekeer en hulle tot God moet bekeer en hulle bekering deur hulle dade moet demonstreer” (Handelinge 26:20). Die kort Bybelse definisie van bekering is “‘n verandering van gedagte wat ‘n verandering van optrede tot gevolg het.”
Wat is dan die verband tussen bekering en verlossing? Die boek Handelinge fokus veral op bekering met betrekking tot verlossing (Handelinge 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). Om jou te bekeer, rakende verlossing, is om jou gedagtes oor sonde en Jesus Christus te verander. In Petrus se preek op Pinksterdag (Handelinge hoofstuk 2), sluit hy af met ‘n oproep aan die mense om hulle te bekeer (Handelinge 2:38). Waarvan bekeer hulle hulle? Petrus roep die mense wat Jesus verwerp het (Handelinge 2:36) op om hulle gedagtes oor daardie sonde te verander en hulle gedagtes oor Christus self te verander, en te erken dat Hy inderdaad “Here en Christus” is (Handelinge 2:36). Petrus roep die mense op om hulle gedagtes te verander, om hulle vorige verwerping van Christus te verafsku, en om geloof in Hom as hulle Messias en Verlosser te omhels.
Bekering behels die erkenning dat jy in die verlede verkeerd gedink het en die besluit om in die toekoms reg te dink. Die berouvolle persoon het “tweede gedagtes” oor die denkwyse wat hy voorheen aangeneem het. Daar is ‘n verandering van gesindheid en ‘n nuwe manier van dink oor God, oor sonde, oor heiligheid en oor die doen van God se wil. Ware bekering word aangespoor deur “goddelike berou”, en dit “lei tot redding” (2 Korintiërs 7:10).
Bekering en geloof kan verstaan word as twee kante van dieselfde muntstuk. Dit is onmoontlik om jou geloof in Jesus Christus as die Verlosser te plaas sonder om eers jou denke oor jou sonde en oor wie Jesus is en wat Hy gedoen het, te verander. Of dit nou bekering van opsetlike verwerping of bekering van onkunde of ongeïnteresseerdheid is, dit is ‘n verandering van denke. Bybelse bekering, in verhouding tot verlossing, is om jou denke te verander van verwerping van Christus na geloof in Christus.
Bekering is nie ‘n werk wat ons doen om verlossing te verdien nie. Niemand kan berou hê en na God kom tensy God daardie persoon na Homself trek nie (Johannes 6:44). Bekering is iets wat God gee – dit is slegs moontlik as gevolg van Sy genade (Handelinge 5:31; 11:18). Niemand kan berou hê tensy God berou skenk nie. Alle verlossing, insluitend bekering en geloof, is ‘n gevolg van God wat ons trek, ons oë oopmaak en ons harte verander. God se lankmoedigheid lei ons tot bekering (2 Petrus 3:9), net soos Sy goedhartigheid (Romeine 2:4).
Terwyl bekering nie ‘n werk is wat verlossing verdien nie, lei bekering tot verlossing wel tot werke. Dit is onmoontlik om werklik jou denke te verander sonder om jou optrede op een of ander manier te verander. In die Bybel lei bekering tot ‘n verandering in gedrag. Daarom het Johannes die Doper mense opgeroep om “vrugte te dra wat by bekering pas” (Matteus 3:8). ‘n Persoon wat werklik van sonde berou het en geloof in Christus beoefen het, sal bewys lewer van ‘n veranderde lewe (2 Korintiërs 5:17; Galasiërs 5:19–23; Jakobus 2:14–26).
Om te sien hoe bekering in die werklike lewe lyk, blaai na die verhaal van Saggeüs. Hier was ‘n man wat bedrieg en gesteel het en weelderig op sy onregverdige winste geleef het – totdat hy Jesus ontmoet het. Op daardie stadium het hy ‘n radikale verandering van denke ondergaan: “Kyk, Here!” het Saggeüs gesê. “Hier en nou gee ek die helfte van my besittings aan die armes, en as ek iemand iets afgepers het, sal ek dit vierdubbel teruggee” (Lukas 19:8). Jesus het met blydskap verkondig dat verlossing na Saggeüs se huis gekom het, en dat selfs die tollenaar nou “’n seun van Abraham” was (vers 9) – ’n verwysing na Saggeüs se geloof. Die bedrieër het ’n filantroop geword; die dief het vergoeding gegee. Dit is bekering, tesame met geloof in Christus.
Bekering, behoorlik gedefinieer, is nodig vir verlossing. Bybelse bekering is om jou denke oor jou sonde te verander – sonde is nie meer iets om mee te speel nie; dit is iets om te laat vaar terwyl jy “vlug vir die komende toorn” (Matteus 3:7). Dit is ook om jou denke oor Jesus Christus te verander – Hy moet nie meer bespot, afslag of geïgnoreer word nie; Hy is die Verlosser waaraan jy moet vashou; Hy is die Here wat aanbid en vereer moet word.
Today’s Devotional
Repentance is an important topic in the New Testament.
John the Baptist’s message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2, see also Mark 1:15 and Luke 3:3, 8).
When Jesus started His public ministry, He also called for repentance. Matthew 4:17 records, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Jesus says of repentance, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).
In Mark 6:12, the disciples also “went out and preached that people should repent.” This preaching continued in Acts. Peter preached to Jews, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Paul preached to Gentiles, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). And later he testified, “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21). And, similarly, “First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20).
As demonstrated in the passages above, repentance is an important part of an initial response to the gospel, but it is also an important part of the life of the Christian. Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul says, “Now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended” (2 Corinthians 7:9). To the church at Ephesus, Jesus says, “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:5).
Even though repentance is extremely important, there is no Scripture passage that explains what repentance means or how to do it. This is probably because repentance is not an inherently theological word. When people heard the command to repent, they knew what it meant because it was a normal word with a normal meaning. Essentially, repent means “to change one’s mind” about something (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, metanoeo). Of course, when a person has a change of mind about something, the result is a change of behavior as well. If a driver is headed south on a highway and suddenly realizes that he is going the wrong direction, he will then get off at the next exit and head in the opposite direction. He has repented—he has changed his mind about the direction he should be driving. If he realizes he is going the wrong direction but decides to continue on without making any changes, he has not really repented. He has, by his actions, shown that he is just fine with the current direction of travel. In the New Testament, repentance is associated with a change of mind about sin.
Saying, “Sorry,” being sorry, or even feeling sorry are not the same as repenting. A person can feel emotionally sorry for something without addressing the underlying issue. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Judas felt great remorse over what he had done to Jesus, but he did not repent. Instead, he committed suicide (Matthew 27:3–5). Peter also felt great remorse over his denial of Christ (Matthew 26:75), but in his case it did result in genuine repentance and a change of direction, as later he boldly proclaimed Christ in the face of persecution (see Acts 4).
When a person is doing something that he has chosen to do and may even enjoy a great deal, but then, based on his exposure to the Word of God, he repents, it means he has changed his mind about it. The repentant person comes to believe what she once loved is wrong and that she should stop doing it. In accepting the gospel, repentance is the flip side of faith. It is possible that someone can become convinced that what he has been doing is wrong and then attempt to “mend his ways”—and he may even succeed. But if such a person does not place his faith in Christ and the righteousness He provides, then he is simply trusting his own moral reformation. Biblical repentance is the recognition that we are helpless to save ourselves—it is turning from sin and to the One who paid for it and can forgive it.
So how does a person repent? Like faith, repentance is a response to the work of God, who convicts and convinces a person that he is in error. In Acts 11:18, the Jewish believers “praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” Second Timothy 2:25 highlights the same thing: “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” These verses indicate a tension between God’s work and human responsibility. We gently instruct sinners in the hope that this intervention will be the means that God uses to bring them to repentance. It is the truth of God’s Word lovingly and accurately presented that God uses to bring about repentance.
If a person is having an extramarital affair, he or she may “know” or “believe” that it is morally wrong. However, repentance that results in a genuine change of mind would cause the adulterer to cut off the relationship. If a person really wants to repent, he needs to not only mentally agree that a thing is wrong, but ask himself, “If I really believe this is wrong, what will I do differently?” And the answer will be to do that different thing. As John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). He followed the command with some specific examples in Luke 3:10–14:
“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’
“Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘what should we do?’ ‘Don’t collect any more than you are required to,’ he told them.
“Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’”
An unbeliever’s desire to know how to repent and trust in Christ is evidence that God is working. If a believer wants to repent of sin that has crept into her life, it is because the Holy Spirit is working in the life of that believer. However, it is possible for a person to come to the point of admitting that a particular attitude or behavior is wrong but then refuse to submit to God’s truth regarding a change. That’s not repentance. Repentance is agreeing with God’s evaluation of the sin and then being willing to follow God’s leading in a new direction.
A person will be in a better position to repent if he is continually feeding on God’s truth through reading and studying the Bible, listening to biblical preaching and teaching, filling the mind with truth so that the mind begins to think the thoughts of God, and associating with like-minded Christians who will foster accountability. In some cases, a Christian may know that something is wrong and that she should change, but she doesn’t really want to. In that case, there is nothing wrong with praying, “Father, I know that I should change, but I am unwilling—please make me willing.”
Vandag se Bemoediging
Bekering is ‘n belangrike onderwerp in die Nuwe Testament.
Johannes die Doper se boodskap was: “Bekeer julle, want die koninkryk van die hemele het naby gekom” (Matteus 3:2, sien ook Markus 1:15 en Lukas 3:3, 8).
Toe Jesus sy openbare bediening begin het, het Hy ook tot bekering opgeroep. Matteus 4:17 teken aan: “Van toe af het Jesus begin preek: Bekeer julle, want die koninkryk van die hemele het naby gekom.” Jesus sê van bekering: “Ek sê vir julle dat daar net so meer blydskap in die hemel sal wees oor een sondaar wat hom bekeer as oor nege-en-negentig regverdiges wat nie hoef te bekeer nie” (Lukas 15:7).
In Markus 6:12 het die dissipels ook “uitgegaan en gepreek dat die mense hulle moet bekeer.” Hierdie prediking het in Handelinge voortgeduur. Petrus het vir die Jode gepreek: “Bekeer julle dan en bekeer julle tot God, sodat julle sondes uitgewis kan word en tye van verkwikking van die Here kan kom” (Handelinge 3:19). Paulus het aan die heidene gepreek: “Vroeër het God sulke onkunde oorgesien, maar nou beveel Hy al die mense oral om hulle te bekeer” (Handelinge 17:30). En later het hy getuig: “Ek het aan Jode sowel as Grieke verkondig dat hulle hulle tot God moet bekeer in bekering en geloof in ons Here Jesus moet hê” (Handelinge 20:21). En, net so, “Eers aan die mense in Damaskus en ook aan die mense in Jerusalem en in die hele Judea en ook aan die heidene het ek gepreek dat hulle hulle tot God moet bekeer en hulle tot God moet bekeer en hulle bekering deur dade moet demonstreer” (Handelinge 26:20).
Soos in die bogenoemde gedeeltes gedemonstreer, is bekering ‘n belangrike deel van ‘n aanvanklike reaksie op die evangelie, maar dit is ook ‘n belangrike deel van die lewe van die Christen. Paulus skryf aan die kerk in Korinte en sê: “Nou is ek bly, nie omdat julle bedroef was nie, maar omdat julle droefheid julle tot bekering gelei het. Want julle het bedroef geword soos God dit wou hê” (2 Korintiërs 7:9). Aan die kerk in Efese sê Jesus: “Aanskou hoe diep jy geval het! Bekeer jou en doen die dinge wat jy in die begin gedoen het” (Openbaring 2:5).
Alhoewel bekering uiters belangrik is, is daar geen Skrifgedeelte wat verduidelik wat bekering beteken of hoe om dit te doen nie. Dit is waarskynlik omdat bekering nie ‘n inherent teologiese woord is nie. Toe mense die opdrag tot bekering gehoor het, het hulle geweet wat dit beteken, want dit was ‘n normale woord met ‘n normale betekenis. In wese beteken bekering “om van plan te verander” oor iets (Thayer se Griekse Lexicon, metanoeo). Natuurlik, wanneer ‘n persoon van plan oor iets verander, is die gevolg ook ‘n gedragsverandering. As ‘n bestuurder suidwaarts op ‘n snelweg ry en skielik besef dat hy in die verkeerde rigting ry, sal hy dan by die volgende afrit afklim en in die teenoorgestelde rigting ry. Hy het berou getoon – hy het van plan verander oor die rigting waarin hy moet ry. As hy besef dat hy in die verkeerde rigting ry, maar besluit om voort te gaan sonder om enige veranderinge aan te bring, het hy nie werklik berou getoon nie. Hy het, deur sy optrede, getoon dat hy heeltemal tevrede is met die huidige rigting. In die Nuwe Testament word bekering geassosieer met ‘n verandering van denke oor sonde.
Om te sê: “Jammer”, jammer wees, of selfs jammer voel, is nie dieselfde as om berou te hê nie. ‘n Persoon kan emosioneel jammer voel oor iets sonder om die onderliggende probleem aan te spreek. “God se droefheid bring bekering wat tot redding lei en laat geen spyt agter nie, maar wêreldse droefheid bring die dood” (2 Korintiërs 7:10). Judas het groot berou gevoel oor wat hy aan Jesus gedoen het, maar hy het nie berou gehad nie. In plaas daarvan het hy selfmoord gepleeg (Matteus 27:3-5). Petrus het ook groot berou gevoel oor sy verloëning van Christus (Matteus 26:75), maar in sy geval het dit wel tot opregte bekering en ‘n verandering van rigting gelei, aangesien hy later Christus met vrymoedigheid verkondig het te midde van vervolging (sien Handelinge 4).
Wanneer ‘n persoon iets doen wat hy gekies het om te doen en dalk selfs baie daarvan geniet, maar dan, gebaseer op sy blootstelling aan die Woord van God, berou toon, beteken dit dat hy van plan daaroor verander het. Die berouvolle persoon begin glo dat wat sy eens liefgehad het, verkeerd is en dat sy dit moet ophou doen. Deur die evangelie te aanvaar, is bekering die keerzijde van geloof. Dit is moontlik dat iemand oortuig kan word dat wat hy gedoen het verkeerd is en dan probeer om “sy weë te herstel” – en hy kan selfs slaag. Maar as so ‘n persoon nie sy geloof in Christus en die geregtigheid wat Hy voorsien, plaas nie, dan vertrou hy bloot op sy eie morele hervorming. Bybelse bekering is die erkenning dat ons hulpeloos is om onsself te red – dit is om van sonde af weg te draai na die Een wat daarvoor betaal het en dit kan vergewe.
So hoe bekeer ‘n persoon hom? Soos geloof, is bekering ‘n reaksie op die werk van God, wat ‘n persoon oortuig en oortuig dat hy verkeerd is. In Handelinge 11:18 het die Joodse gelowiges “God geprys en gesê: ‘So het God dan ook aan die heidene bekering tot die lewe gegee.’” Tweede Timoteus 2:25 beklemtoon dieselfde ding: “Teenstanders moet sagkens tereggewys word, in die hoop dat God hulle bekering sal gee wat hulle tot kennis van die waarheid sal lei.” Hierdie verse dui op ‘n spanning tussen God se werk en menslike verantwoordelikheid. Ons onderrig sondaars sagkens in die hoop dat hierdie ingryping die middel sal wees wat God gebruik om hulle tot bekering te bring. Dit is die waarheid van God se Woord wat liefdevol en akkuraat aangebied word, wat God gebruik om bekering te bewerkstellig.
As ‘n persoon ‘n buite-egtelike verhouding het, kan hy of sy “weet” of “glo” dat dit moreel verkeerd is. Bekering wat egter ‘n ware verandering van denke tot gevolg het, sal veroorsaak dat die egbreker die verhouding verbreek. As iemand werklik tot bekering wil kom, moet hy nie net geestelik saamstem dat iets verkeerd is nie, maar homself afvra: “As ek werklik glo dat dit verkeerd is, wat sal ek anders doen?” En die antwoord sal wees om daardie ander ding te doen. Soos Johannes die Doper gesê het: “Dra vrugte wat by die bekering pas” (Lukas 3:8). Hy het die opdrag gevolg met ‘n paar spesifieke voorbeelde in Lukas 3:10–14:
“‘Wat moet ons dan doen?’ het die skare gevra. Johannes het geantwoord: ‘Elkeen wat twee kledingstukke het, moet deel met die een wat niks het nie, en elkeen wat kos het, moet dieselfde doen.’
“Selfs tollenaars het gekom om gedoop te word. En hulle het gevra: ‘Meester,’ het hulle gevra, ‘wat moet ons doen?’ ‘Moenie meer invorder as wat julle verplig is nie,’ het hy vir hulle gesê.
“Toe vra sommige soldate hom: ‘En wat moet ons doen?’ Hy antwoord: ‘Moenie geld afpers nie en moenie mense valslik beskuldig nie – wees tevrede met jou betaling.’”
’n Ongelowige se begeerte om te weet hoe om berou te hê en op Christus te vertrou, is bewys dat God werk. As ’n gelowige wil berou hê oor sonde wat in haar lewe ingesluip het, is dit omdat die Heilige Gees in die lewe van daardie gelowige werk. Dit is egter moontlik vir ’n persoon om tot die punt te kom waar hy erken dat ’n spesifieke houding of gedrag verkeerd is, maar dan weier om hom aan God se waarheid rakende ’n verandering te onderwerp. Dit is nie bekering nie. Bekering is om saam te stem met God se evaluering van die sonde en dan bereid te wees om God se leiding in ’n nuwe rigting te volg.
’n Persoon sal in ’n beter posisie wees om berou te hê as hy voortdurend op God se waarheid voed deur die Bybel te lees en te bestudeer, na Bybelse prediking en lering te luister, die verstand met waarheid te vul sodat die verstand die gedagtes van God begin dink, en omgaan met eendersdenkende Christene wat aanspreeklikheid sal bevorder. In sommige gevalle weet ‘n Christen dalk dat iets verkeerd is en dat sy moet verander, maar sy wil dit nie regtig doen nie. In daardie geval is daar niks verkeerd daarmee om te bid: “Vader, ek weet dat ek moet verander, maar ek is onwillig—maak my asseblief gewillig.”
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Laat Dit Gaan:
Baie jare gelede het iemand gevra vir sy vriend of hy sy motor kon leen. Hy en sy vrou was aanvanklik huiwerig, want dit was immers hulle motor en hulle was baie afhanklik daarvan. Maar uiteindelik het hulle gevoel dat hulle dit tog vir hom moes leen, omdat hulle geweet het die Here wil hê hulle moet mekaar help. Hulle het toe die sleutels aan hom oorhandig en hy het na ń kerk ongeveer 50 kilometer van hulle af gery om ń jeugsaamtrek te hanteer. Die byeenkoms was geseënd en baie tieners het Jesus as Verlosser aanvaar.
Jesus het sy disipels beveel om ń ander man se donkie te gaan haal. Die Seun van God het hulle beveel “maak hom los en bring hom hier ( Mark 11:2 ). Indien iemand beswaar sou maak, mos hulle sê: “Die Here het hom nodig en dan sou hulle toegelaat word om die donkie weg te lei. Daardie donkie het Jesus Jerusalem ingeneem op die dag wat ons Psalmsondag noem.
Daar is ń les in hierdie gebeure opgesluit. Ons het almal besittings wat vir ons kosbaar is. Ons het miskien al in die verlede gedink ” Ek sal nooit daarvan afstand kan doen nie: Miskien is dit ń nuwe kar, ń jas of enige ander besitting, of ons paar kosbare ure elke week. Sal ons gewillig wees om dit te gee as ons sien dat iemand dit nodig het ?
Indien jy aanvoel dat die Gees met jou praat, laat jou besitting gaan, soos die man sy donkie gegee het. Daardeur sal Jesus verheerlik word !
Maak my ń kanaal tot seën vandag,
Maak my tot seën, dis my gebed !
Neem my lewe, my diens myself,
Gebruik my tot seën, neem als wat ek het.
God gee ons alles wat ons nodig het, sodat ons aan ander kan gee wat hulle nodig het !
Let It Go:
Many years ago, a friend asked his friend if he could borrow his car. He and his wife were hesitant at first, because it was their car and they were very dependent on it. But eventually they felt they had to lend it to him, because they knew the Lord wanted them to help each other. They then handed him the keys and he drove to a church about 30 miles away to handle a youth rally. The rally was blessed and many teenagers accepted Jesus as Savior.
Jesus told his disciples to go and get another man’s donkey. The Son of God told them to “untie him and bring him here” (Mark 11:2). If anyone objected, they would say, “The Lord needs him,” and then they would be allowed to lead the donkey away. That donkey Jesus entered Jerusalem on the day we call Psalm Sunday.
There is a lesson in these events. We all have possessions that are precious to us. We may have thought in the past, “I could never give that up.” Maybe it’s a new car, a coat, or some other possession, or our few precious hours each week. Would we be willing to give it up if we saw someone in need?
If you sense the Spirit speaking to you, let go of your possessions, as the man gave his donkey. Through that, Jesus will be glorified!
Make me a channel for blessing today,
Make me a blessing, that’s my prayer!
Take my life, my service myself,
Use me for blessing, take all I have.
God gives us everything we need, so that we can give to others what they need!
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Live Concert – Whispering Hope
Whispering Hope was taped live in Ireland. Jake Hess has Irish friends to the left of him and friends to the right when he performs “Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This” while David Phelps and Stephen Hill take turns on a jazzy “When God Dips His Love In My Heart.” Gloria Gaither talks about the power of hope before Larry Ford sings “Whispering Hope.” Other hope-filled songs include “There Is A Hope,” which spotlights Sue Dodge, and “Then Came The Morning,” featuring Guy Penrod.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
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TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
Weet jy hoeveel tyd jy nog oor het om vir die hemel voor te berei? Tyd is iets wat ons nie kan beheer nie en dit hardloop vinnig uit. Sodra ons sterf sal daar nie meer geleenthede wees om dinge met die Here reg te maak nie. Daarom is dit belangrik om vandag na Pastoor Dirk se boodskap te luister en seker te maak ons is reg vir die hemel wanneer die tyd aanbreek. www.steps2heaven.co.za
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