Give Me A Minute – Repentance

Repentance.

What is it? Who needs to do it? How often?

Webster says it’s feeling regret and changing your mind. You’re sorry for what you did and decide you want to do what’s right. I see it as “a change of mind that results in a change in action.” It’s more than just feeling sorry for something you did. There must be change.

This is the start of the High Holy Days. Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish “new year,” begins on 21 September 2017. It marks the day God created Adam and Eve. It’s also known as the Day of Judgement. According to Jewish tradition, this is the day God records a person’s thoughts, actions, and words in the Book of Life.

The 10 days following Rosh HaShanah are sometimes called the Days of Repentance. During this period, Jews can pray, repent of their sins, and do good deeds to help make sure their name is written in the Book of Life.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when God and man are reconciled, is a solemn day. It is the final day of judgment when God judges people based on how well they did during the year. It’s the day sins are forgiven and names written in the Book of Life. It is the holiest day of the year. In Bible times, it’s when the High Priest sacrificed an animal to pay for the sins of the people.

As a Christ follower, I believe that Jesus is that sin sacrifice. He died on a cross for the sins of the world. If we recognize that we are sinners and ask for his forgiveness, He will give it. Our relationship with Him is sealed and our name is written permanently in the Book of Life. I once read that there are 2 kinds of repentance. Repentance with a big “R” is needed to turn away from sin to salvation in Christ. John the Baptist told people to “repent of your sins and turn to God.” Once we are in the Book of Life, small ‘r’ repentance is needed to lead us to a more “Christ-like” life.

I have “Repented” and as sin comes into my life, I “repent.” What about you?