The first and foremost reason we do not repent, is because we feel we haven’t done anything wrong. We might be quick to point out the shortcomings of others, and list all of their terrible sins, and not feel we have any of our own. And another reason we don’t repent, is because it would mean that we have to admit some things, we don’t want to admit; and we would have to change our behavior and act differently. To take action.

Jesus Christ, was preaching repentance, before the Holy Ghost was even poured out on the day of Pentecost. So many like to quote that one verse; and it is a powerful part of our experience. I love that; and I would never seek to take anything from it. But, we need to understand, we don’t just repent in the early part of the Book of Acts, and that’s all the repenting we have to do. It must be an ongoing part of our relationship with the Spirit; on a daily basis.

It might not accomplish much, to talk about some of the things we need to repent over. But, let’s listen to a couple things said that the Spirit, had John write to the Churches. To the church of Ephesus, the Spirit said, “Thou hast left thy first love; remember from whence thou art fallen; and repent.” Some might think, that we will all do an about-face, and just start loving again as we once did. We are going to have to repent first. If we are not truly sorrowful for not loving as He loves, we simply will not change. Is it not likely, that we harmed others and Him, by leaving that love.

Jesus spoke concerning the Laodicean church, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” It is possible, that we have become so holy, that there is no longer any need for the church to, “humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways.” If we do not do this, we are not going to remember from whence we’ve fallen, and we will not repent, because we don’t feel we’ve fallen at all. We think we still have the same level of power, we always had. And we don’t.

Why is it so hard for God’s people to repent for the things they have done; or, for the things they have not done? We’ve made real idols out of things; we’ve settled for less than the early church; we keep claiming we have all the Gifts and operations that were placed in the NT church, but we cannot demonstrate them.

Why don’t we just repent? I believe it could spare us from some of the terrible judgment that comes as a result of becoming so arrogant, cold and unmovable.

Why can’t we ask God to forgive us, for the way we’ve treated one another; for not following the Holy Ghost?

~ Robert Blackburn

Robert Blackburn