LESSON XXXIX. Repentance

Questions to Lesson 39^{*What duties are next after faith? What book teaches first duties? When were the first Christians made free from sin? What was Peter’s reply to the question, What shall we do? What duty did he first enjoin on the believer? What is the first definition of repentance given? The second? What is reformation? What is necessary in order practically to reform our lives? What is the repentance required before baptism? When were they that received the word baptized? What is the Lord’s promise to the obedient?}

The next duties after faith are repentance and baptism. The person who believes the truth, and desires to know how to begin the Christian life, can learn his duty in this respect by reading the Acts of the Apostles, and observing how the first Christians preached and practiced in converting men to Christianity. They acted under the direction of the Holy Spirit, therefore it is perfectly safe to follow their example. There was a perfect uniformity in their course; one did not become a Christian in one way, and another in another; but when they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered them, they were then made free from sin, and became the servants of righteousness. Romans 11:17, 18.BIC 90.2

The first discourse that was preached, after the apostles were qualified for their work by the out pouring of the Holy Spirit, convinced a great multitude of the truth, and they said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38.BIC 91.1

The first duty here enjoined upon the believer is repentance. This is defined, by some, to be sorrow for sins. Others say that it means reformation, which is something more than mere sorrow for sins. That it is reforming the life-turning away from sin to righteousness. Perhaps there is not so much difference between these two definitions as some imagine. One states the moving cause, the other the effect. Genuine sorrow for sins, leads to a reformation of life. Godly sorrow worketh reformation to salvation not to be regretted. Such doubtless is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 7:10.BIC 91.2

Reformation consists in ceasing to do evil, and learning to do well; it is turning from sin to righteousness-from breaking God’s law to keeping it. This is not done in a moment, nor in a day. The purpose of mind-the heart-felt resolve-can be formed at once; but time is necessary in order to carry out that purpose in practice. We resolve to day to mend our life; we carry out that resolution to-morrow, and next day, and so on.BIC 92.1

A change of purpose is the repentance required before baptism. This is evident from what is said in verse 41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there was added unto them about three thousand souls. See Acts 16:33.BIC 92.2

So, my friends, if you believe the truth, and are fully resolved to give yourselves unreservedly to God, to do all his holy will, you need not wait to see if you will hold out, but submit, at once, to that act of obedience which the Lord has placed before you, believing without a doubt that he will verify to you his promise: Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.BIC 92.3