As this is Resurrection Sunday, I'm hoping to resurrect my blog. I plan on starting with the title. "Swim Against the Tide" has served me well in getting me off the schneid, but I want something that leaves no doubt what someone is getting into if they check out my blog. As it stands, my title could lead someone to believe the blog is opining on anything from swimming techniques to alternative lifestyles (I guess I do comment on alternative lifestyles: those who live in an alternative fashion from what God desires). Anyway, I'll be rolling out a new name and look, but the approach you've all come to know and love will stay!
This brings us to the concept I would like to touch on: repentance. If not a dirty word, it sure seems to be a forgotten word in the lexicon of many professing Christians. Per my original "ground rules" I will go light on referencing specific Bible verses or theologians that share my view as anyone can do a search and come up with a legion of supporters and detractors for any theological stance. As I've tried to convey, my purpose is not to persuade as much as it is to over encouragement to those who feel alone when taking similar stances. Also to publicly (ipso facto: before God), unashamedly take a stand for God.
The repentance that precedes salvation is "turning to God" or changing one's mind about God. Basically, it's now realizing you need Jesus, when before, you thought otherwise. It's not a condition for salvation, just a factual occurrence one must experience. You will never turn toward a God you either reject or simply don't consider, until you change your mind (repent). It's been said that faith and repentance are both sides of the same coin: I agree. You can't have one without the other. For those that consider such a statement as borderline Pharisaical (if not heretical); do some research.
After you repent of your attitude toward Jesus and become truly saved, you will necessarily repent of your sinful ways (whether thought, word, or deed).
Why? Because Grace is not cheap. It cost God the life of His Son. And when we accept what Christ did on the Cross and manifest that belief in repenting (turning away from), a rebellious life contrary to Biblical Christianity, we inherit a priceless gift!
If you continue to live like the unsaved, then you need to examine your Salvation, as it may not be authentic. Watching/listening to smutty entertainment, engaging in or finding no fault in fornication or adultery, getting drunk, using profanity (course talk in Eph. 5:4), finding time for anything other than Bible reading, and so on. This is not rocket science folks. Once you are truly Saved, EVERYTHING you do or think has to be measured by God's Standard. Of course you will sometimes fall short, but if you realize you have fallen short, confess, and truly want to do better and grow in your understanding of what God wants from you - you will! It's called sanctification: it is simply growing in Holiness. The Holy Spirit will be there for those who are willing. This sanctification will not occur in those who are christian in name only, while continuing to love the world.
People should be able to figure out there is something different about you after spending substantial time in your presence. Without you declaring up front: "...I'm a Christian and don't engage in certain behavior!"; they should arrive at that conclusion. You are always "walking the walk", not just "talking the talk", as so many do today.
So yes, as the "old time" fire and brimstone preachers would say: REPENT. Because you are a Born-Again Believer, you repent from what the "world" loves. You have changed your mind to harmonize with what God loves (check out Gal. 5:22). You are known by your fruits, you are a new creature, you love not this world. You have repented of just going along and not offending anyone, and now take a stand for Christ - no matter the cost.
Sanctification and discipleship are not "add-ons" to salvation, like options on an automobile. Anyone truly saved is a disciple and will grow in sanctification. Will they still experience sin: absolutely - as none of us achieves perfection in this life. The difference: they will repent and with the Holy Spirit will continue "fighting the good fight" and "run the race to completion", not excusing sin in themselves or others.
