Can You Have Redemption Without Repentance?

By C. J. Refsland on February 18, 2013 • ( 0 )

REDEMPTION

Paul defines Redemption like this “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by Faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

SONS OF GOD

Paul tells us that “You are all sons of God through Faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Then: God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba’, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”

Photo by GoodSalt.com

REPENTANCE

We are heir’s to the Kingdom of God, through Christ! What a beautiful thing God did for us! All we have to do is to accept this gift, to recognize we are all sinners, and ask for forgiveness (repent), and our sins will be forgiven and we will be made heirs to the Kingdom of God through our Faith in Christ Jesus! How easy is that. When we do this God does expect us to try to live a life that is free from Sin. Jesus told the woman about to be stoned for adultery, “Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more.” Paul says this in Acts, when he was before King Agrippa for telling the Jews to repent: “First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” In other words, for example if our sin of adultery is forgiven ( as the woman in the above) then we are to prove our repentance by not doing this again. Peter also talked of repentance in Acts: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

BAPTISM

Mathew tells us that while John the Baptist was baptizing in the Jordon as Jesus approached John said this: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up” After a little coaxing from Jesus, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the river Jordon. Baptism is dipping in water, or sprinkling of water to cleanse from sin. It symbolizes cleansing. So Jesus was baptized even though He was without sin. After His Baptism, Heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a Dove and lighting. And a voice was heard from Heaven. “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He is the only one to walk the earth, that was ever without sin. So He leads by example. Later in Mathew Jesus gave His disciples what is known as ‘The Great Commision.’ He said: “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been give to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus is with us always! Baptizing brings us closer into the fellowship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If you haven’t been baptized, I urge you to find a pastor, priest, or another Christian and experience this amazing cleansing. It is God’s symbol also to us that if we realize that we are stained with sin, He will cleanse us, and our sins will be forgotten as far as the east is from the west. Many believe that you can’t go to heaven if your not baptized. It doesn’t say that in scripture, however how can you not want to be brought into a closer relationship with God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Communion will also bring us closer into this fellowship, but that’s another post. It’s really very easy to have a relationship with the one true God. He doesn’t require much but he gives much!

So, Christ redeemed us, that’s for certain! We must believe that and have Faith that He died for us, and Arose to the right Hand of the Father, we must recognize this gift, that Christ died for our sins, ask for forgiveness, and it’s done. Not so hard is it. But even though we have redemption through Christ, we can’t reap the benefits of this without repentance, and Faith that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He will come into your life in a magnificent way, and make you a Son Of God, and an Heir to the Kingdom of God! No more wondering, will I go to heaven? Am I good enough? Will I go to Heaven if I do a lot of good deeds? No more wondering, we know! So come into a relationship with Jesus, and inherit the Kingdom of God!