One of the keywords in the Bible is the word “repent.” It is an action word that means to turn away from sin and follow God’s will. We oftentimes pass by this word because we have to make drastic changes in our lives. We want blessings without repentance. We want healing without turning away from our sins. As far as the Bible says, blessings and healing come only when we repent from our sins and come back to God.
What are some of the Bible verses that could remind us of repentance?
2 Chronicles 7:14 is a very famous verse nowadays. God is reminding us through this passage that the healing of our land happens only if there is collective repentance. It is not just personal repentance but as one nation. It starts from the individual, then the family, and then the community.
God is saying “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Jesus also preached about repentance. Jesus is saying that the reign of God in our lives cannot start if we do not repent. We can only receive salvation if we repent from our sins and believe the Gospel.
Mark 1:15 recorded what Jesus preached. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Peter in the Book of Acts followed on what Jesus Christ taught them. He reminded the people to repent so that the times of refreshment will come. This tells us that refreshment will not be upon us if we do not repent from our sins.
Act 3:19-20 recorded what Peter said. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…”
May we can reflect on what is happening in our lives in this time of pandemic. If there are still sins that we have not yet repented, now is the time to do so. We should also call upon our leaders to repent and turn back to God.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University