Green Olives Christian Books

THE ESSENCE OF REPENTANCE AND ITS FRUITS

Repentance, according to the Holy Scriptures, is not a mere sorrowing over sin, nor a fleeting pang of regret, but a deep and abiding transformation wrought by the Spirit of the Living God. It is a turning away from wickedness and an earnest turning unto the Lord, a forsaking of iniquity, and a seeking after righteousness. As it is written, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). True repentance is a work of grace within the heart, leading to a renewed mind and a changed course of life, wherein old things are passed away, and behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such repentance is not hidden, but bringeth forth fruit (but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law - Galatians 5:22-23), which is the evidence of a heart turned unto the Lord.

The Fruits of True Repentance

The Holy Writ, through the testimonies of John the Baptist, the Apostle Paul, and the beloved John, declareth unto us the marks of genuine repentance.

John the Baptist's Exhortation
When the multitudes, convicted in their hearts, inquired of John, saying, "What shall we do then?" he answered with a call to righteousness (Luke 3:10-14):
• "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise" (Luke 3:11). Thus doth true repentance manifest in charity and compassion toward the poor and needy.
• "Exact no more than that which is appointed you" (Luke 3:13). This rebuke to the publicans signifieth that repentance begetteth honesty and integrity.
• "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages" (Luke 3:14). Thus are men called to reject oppression and falsehood, and to walk in peace and contentment.
By these things it is made plain that true repentance bringeth forth a change of conduct, for a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:16-20).

The Testimony of Paul
The Apostle Paul, in declaring the Gospel before King Agrippa, testified, "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" (Acts 26:19-20). Herein doth Paul declare that repentance is not idle, but is attended by works befitting a repentant heart, bearing witness to the sincerity of one's faith.

James on the Evidence of Faith and Repentance
The Apostle James doth proclaim, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26). Even so, repentance that yieldeth not the fruits of righteousness is but an empty profession, and of no effect.

The Marks of the Repentant in John's Epistle
The beloved John testifieth that those who have truly repented shall walk in obedience, hold to sound doctrine, and love the brethren: • "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3-6).
• "They went out from us, but they were not of us..." (1 John 2:19). Thus, the doctrine we hold revealeth the truth of our repentance.
• "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14).
Such is the testimony of the Scriptures, that the fruits of repentance be made manifest in the life of the believer.

Self-Examination and Assurance
The Apostle Paul admonisheth the faithful, saying, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Likewise, before partaking of the Lord’s Table, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28). This continual self-examination is needful, that we may walk uprightly before the Lord.
Moreover, the Epistle to the Hebrews saith, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22). The full assurance of faith cometh not from the works of the law, but from a heart purified before the Lord.

Grace, Not Works, as the Means of Salvation
While the fruits of repentance are evidence of salvation, they are not its cause, for "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). True assurance resteth not in our works, but in the unfailing promises of God’s Word. Yet, faith that is true shall surely bring forth fruit, even as a good tree bringeth forth good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18).

Thus, beloved brethren, let us understand that repentance is no mere emotion, but a divine work, bringing forth fruit unto holiness. "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance" (Matthew 3:8), for the Lord looketh upon the heart, and the fruit thereof testifieth of its condition. May our repentance be sincere, our faith steadfast, and our lives a living witness unto the grace of God, that at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may be found faithful. Amen.