In our sometimes-narrow approach to theology, we make it seem trite this thing we call repentance. If you asked 100 people who attend a church an average of forty Sundays a year what repentance meant, you would be surprised at what answers you would get.
Some would say it means not to sin any more. Others would say to know that you are forgiven. Others would confuse grace with repentance. But perhaps the biggest question is not what the meaning of the word is but rather is it lived and exemplified in the life of the believer.
But before we go any further, I suppose an attempt at a definition of repentance would be in order:
Repentance is a conscious effort, with God’s help, to turn from sin (past separation from God) and turn to a new life in Christ. But even more so is to recognize the sin of ones past and be truly sorry for those past sins.
Without repentance it is highly unlikely that a new believer will have much success, if any, to change. The failure to recognize what one has been saved from makes it difficult to recognize the nature of God and what he/she has been saved unto, namely God’s own family. This will most certainly circumvent spiritual growth. Therefore, change is unlikely.
Repentance opens the door to change. When God enters He changes us. Truly when He knocks if we answer and let Him into our lives, we commune with Him and change occurs.
So can people change? No, people can’t change but God can change people!
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