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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
There are many sources of fear experienced by the human race. But the fear of repentance...even the word seems to conjure up alarm, discomfort, and an undefinable fear. For some, it is manifested by angry resistance; for others, it is a deep down discomfort or sadness. The Holy Spirit of God moves in many ways.
The word Repentance seems rarely to be mentioned - in religious circles or out.
Why?
Perhaps its like the word Bible, Religion, Sin, etc. All at least imply that one could be required or obligated to do something that he or she would not like to do, even to think about. There are too many other words to consider without this one. This one, for some reason causes many to tense up in subtle resistance.
There is something about this word (in English at least), that is avoided. Perhaps its like the word "Jesus". It conjures up images of something very uncomfortable. Perhaps partly it provokes fear - fear of opening up something inside that should be faced, but put off as long as possible. Or, perhaps its just strange. It isn't understood. Sometimes, a person just freezes as though in shock. When and if it is understood, it is avoided like a plague by many. But there are blessings unlimited, and love limitless for heartfelt, sincere, and honest repentance.
Some may say "repent of what?"
The subconscious soul records sin in the smallest thing - thoughts, actions, attitudes that our conscious mind and our spirit may inform us. But the Holy Spirit knows all; even the deepest recesses of our soul which He can bring up into our conscious awareness and thoughts when we transgress. Through the devil's influence using the fallen nature in mankind, the world is preconditioned to make the choice of the wrong most of the time.
The whole issue gets very complicated for those outside of Jesus Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can empower one to choose the right in God's sight consistently. However, there is another word that answers to all the issues. That word also is one seldom heard or used today. Past generations of Christians were very familiar with it, understood it, obeyed it. That word is "Surrender". Repentance is intimately jointed to this word. both words are as action verbs, which implies they indicate something one does deliberately. One cannot be adequately fulfilled without the other.
Consciousness of something right or wrong is universal in the human race. Doing the right is the problem (Romans 1:28-32). Through the devil's influence using the fallen nature in mankind, the world is preconditioned to make the choice of the wrong most of the time.
Our repentance of course, is never perfect because we can never be perfect of ourselves - even after repentance. Our own imperfection prevents perfect repentance. This is simply because we, of ourselves, can never present the righteousness before God that He requires. It will always be imperfect. But God requires PERFECT righteousness.
This can only be found as we are in His perfect Son and He lives in us. If we present ourselves in and through Him, the Father will accept us as being righteous, because of our being in His perfect Son. Our imperfect repentance and righteousness is accounted as perfect because of our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
As world problems increase and escalate, the need for genuine repentance by individuals and nations is growing with each passing day. Those of us who name the name of Christ need to examine our faith, and our lives. Let us take to heart our spiritual condition.
There should be no fear of repentance. Repentance makes us right with God, and therefore blots out fear (1 John 4:18). Fear causes worry, and insecurity. Surrender and repentance toward God and Jesus Christ brings peace and joy!
Now is the time to make your calling and election sure...
"For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [spiritually] shortsighted, seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins. Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall. Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:9-11 (AMP)
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