True discipleship is also evident when one bears the fruit of repentance as seen by one's words, behaviors, and deeds. "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples" (John 15:8).
Are you a person who continues to practice sin after claiming to have repented?
"Bear fruits in keeping with repentance." (Luke 3:8)
Time flies, and Autumn is once again upon us. With its distinct chameleon flare, Autumn displays elements of summer, spring, and winter, that is… until it makes its complete transition.
However, Autumn eventually repents its chameleon ways, relinquishing its attempt to straddle the seasonal fences.
After repentance has taken place, only then do we see its splendor.
Deciduous trees flaunt their leaves like beautiful ball gowns, displaying brilliant colors of orange, brown, red, gold, and yellow hues as they attend the yearly Wind Feast.
The trees and shrubs dance at the magnificent Wind Feast until the last leaf falls from their branches. Okay, okay, let me stop...
As with all transitions in life, Autumn's behavior illustrates that the true nature of a thing will always reveal itself. We see this elemental truth as it relates to repentance. Repentance happens when one truly relinquishes the desire to straddle across seasons, transitioning from the season of unrighteous living to the season of righteous living, bringing glory to the reality of God's existence and power working within one's heart.
True discipleship is also evident when one bears the fruit of repentance as seen by one's words, behaviors, and deeds. "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples" (John 15:8).
While it may be okay for Autumn to have chameleon characteristics, this persona is not something God desires Christians to have. In all truth, Autumn's identity crisis bears a resemblance to a non-repentant person attempting to walk in light and darkness at the same time: Jesus,
"What do you have to say about such behavior?"
"It is Unacceptable?
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
God's position about repentance is often observed in his dealings with the Jews in the Old Testament. Jesus, keeping in line with God's will, was very adamant about repentance. He started his ministry preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 4:17), and he never deviated from the principle thereof. As a matter of fact, John the Baptiste, who foretold of Jesus' coming, "baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins"(Mark 1:4). John made it clear to the Jews that repentance not only must be demonstrated it should be constantly done, telling them in (Luke 3:8), "Bear fruits in keeping with repentance."
According to Jesus, keeping with repentance means to allow the Word of God to take root in the heart. When this happens, your life will demonstrate the change within. "But that on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).
I have heard many Christians give powerful testimonies regarding how they repented after hearing the teachings of Jesus found in the four Gospels. I agree that it is a great honor to hear the Word of God, but we must bear in mind that the ones truly blessed by the Lord hear it, memorize it, and apply it daily. "Yea, Blessed are they, that hear the word, and keep it"(Luke 11:28).
Jesus never said, "Blessed are they who hear the word and try to keep it, and if you sin, confess it, and God will keep forgiving you of your unrighteousness. That is not scriptural meaning. That is not what JESUS TAUGHT.
Jesus expects us to take responsibility to bear the fruit of repentance after hearing his teachings and demonstrate the fruit of repentance by righteous living.
This is what he meant when he said, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth what is good. An evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth what is evil" (Matthew 12:35). If you claim repentance, whose temper and conduct is contrary to the mind of Christ where in one instant you do good deeds, feeding the poor, praying for the sick, preaching and teaching the gospel and the next instant you walk in lust and corruption, speaking bad words, demonstrating evil behaviors, dishonoring our God, and hurting others, according to our Savior's teaching in this verse, you have a evil heart. If you keep backsliding, having to confess your sins, and asking God for forgiveness repeatedly, then you are not bearing the good fruit of repentance. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit" (Matthew 7:18).
The fruit that one bears signals to God and the world whether true repentance has taken place. "You cannot walk with God and hold hands with the devil," that is not true repentance. (1 John 3:8-10) "Whoever practices sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God practices sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
By this, it is evident who are the children of God and the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother".
In closing, I encourage all saints to ask themselves this question: Am I a person who continues to practice sin after claiming to have repented?
Answer yourself honestly, and then have a talk with God.
Remember, God does not honor a chameleon persona. Not only does Jesus tell us to repent, but he requires us to bear the fruit of repentance, saying, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
I pray that we continue to grow in grace, truth, and wisdom and walk in love toward one another. Help others benefit from this truth by sharing this message. God bless you.
Post Image and Quote: (Source: Beaute' Naturelle)
This is post is a reality check to say the least. True repentance will definitely show in our lifestyle, how we interact with others... Can others see the God fruit in our lives... thank you for sharing this, Gail. Sound, scriptural and encouraging.