Jeremy Hoover

This devotional guide examines several different passages about repentance, from Joel to 2 Chronicles to the Gospels.

In Matthew 3, Matthew reported that John the Baptist came on the scene preaching repentance because of the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. But what was the nature or quality of the repentance he advocated?

Today, many understand repentance as a decision we make prior to baptism and conversion. In the "plan of salvation," repentance is merely one step in a process. Repentance is often understood or stated as though it was a feeling of remorse for past sin committed.

While this understanding of repentance is important, it is not the whole story. According to John the Baptist, repentance is a lifestyle of conforming to the values and priorities of God and his kingdom. He noted, in his preaching, that judgment exists for those who do not repent (Matt. 3:10, 12). But he also noted that one's lifestyle needs to demonstrate their repentance. Thus, repentance is a lifestyle; it must be ongoing. We must "bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Matt. 3:8).

So repentance is not just "felt" but also demonstrated. Repentance is a way of life within God's kingdom because the challenge of changing our lives--of being transformed--to be kingdom agents for God is ongoing and always in process.

Does your life demonstrate the fruit of repentance?