Repent and Be Converted

Repent and Be Converted - Acts 3

Acts 3:1-26

It was prayer time at the temple in Jerusalem. Peter and John were about to enter the temple, when they saw a lame man, who was begging at the Beautiful Gate. The beggar was healed in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, and he created quite a scene, "walking, leaping, and praising God." The people "knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him." Acts 3:1-10.

A crowd gathered around Peter, John, and the man, who had been healed. Peter responded to the people, preaching, "Repent therefore and be converted...." But these were the good, religious Jews, who had come to the temple to pray. Surely they believed in God.

Repentance is one of the most misunderstood teachings in the Bible. Some people think that it means to be sorry for your sins. At times reference is made to "tears of repentance." Godly sorrow produces remorse, but remorse in itself is not repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10.

The word repentance literally means to change one's mind. The Jews who had gathered in the temple had to change their mind about Jesus Christ and themselves.

Why did they need to repent? They had delivered up Jesus to Pilate, denied the Holy and Righteous One, and killed the Prince of Life. This Jesus was the Christ of whom the prophets spoke. He suffered and died, according to the Scriptures, but the God of their fathers raised Him up, and glorified Him.

The words repentance and conversion share a common thought...change. A changed life is evidence of true repentance. Peter linked a two-fold blessing with conversion: the forgiveness of sins, and times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19.

Peter's preaching of repentance drew a response. The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed and arrested Peter and John. "However, many of those who heard the word believed...." Acts 4:1-4.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for the healing and transforming power in the name of Jesus. Help us to have our heads screwed on properly and our hearts in the right place. In Jesus' name. Amen!

No Other Name - Acts 4

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