Repentance with Actions

I started doing something new for myself. I've been spending a lot of time on the Internet and Facebook. I would say that I'm terribly attached and addicted to Internet and Facebook. Now, to counter that, I made a promise to God and myself just few days ago: every time I would turn on the computer and check out Facebook, I would need to read a paragraph of Scripture. I did. In less than 5 days, I'm now on Chapter 6 of Leviticus.

The Book of Leviticus deals mainly on Jewish rituals for atonement and sacrifice. With each paragraph, God would specifically tell the priests what to do and perform in order to atone for their sins.

After reading so far, I can't help but notice this: God meant this for those who are convicted of their sins and guilts, who are willing to turn away and repent. Numerous times, the Scripture mentioned "and then he realises his guilt/sin".

A lot of times, we do realise our sins and guilt, because the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins day and night without ceasing. Yet, knowing and realising our sins, are we willing to repent? As I reflect and recall, I realise I had quite a liberal definition of what repentance is. I had always thought confession alone was enough, but that's really not the case.

In the time of Moses, in order to repent, the Jewish people had to sacrifice bulls, lamb, goats, rams, turtledoves, pigeons and etc. The thing is, they are not cheap. And yet, they did. Repentance needs to be accompanied by actions. During Moses' time, sacrifice was the action, on top of which, when financial loss is involved, a compensation of additional 5% is required. Now, sacrifice is not required, because Christ died once and for all for us, but what is our action to repent?

I personally believe that it starts from confession. Confession is a recognition of our mistakes and sins. It is often verbal and made public. During Moses' time, confession is probably done to a Levite priest and by the laying of hands on the animal to be sacrificed. Today, Paul urges us to confess to one another (James 5:16). Confession, is the beginning of healing.

The next step is to make a stand against it. Once you have a clear enemy, you need to make a clear stand against it: to tell yourself that what you did was wrong and unless we get rid of it, we would be in trouble. Addictions and sins have a certain allure in the beginning. The Bible tells us to flee from it (1 Cor 6:18, 1 Cor 10:14), resist it (James 4:7). It may be hard, but disregard the lies that the devils tell you about how powerless you are against them, and always remember that you are given power and victory to overcome sins (1 John 5:4-5). Do not stop confessing to a believer of same gender you trust. Having someone trustworthy to keep you accountable and constantly pray for you. It is important that this person is not in the same struggle as you are. Afterall, only someone outside the pit can pull you out of your pit.

Last but the most important, constantly be reminded to rely on God. The Jewish sacrifice system work in this way: that the sacrifice is a physical mark and reminder of a person's sins, and also a reminder that salvation belongs to God (in other words, only relying on His methods works). Therefore, consistently pray and read the Word of God. The Word of God will always remind us of our sins and its destructive power, and it also gives us hope, renewal, strength and encouragement to keep fighting the righteous fight. Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit. How can you fight evil without a sword? In verse 18 Paul continued to urge believers to pray all the time. Prayer, is the best gift that every believer is given, make good use of it!

Repentance is more than just empty words of promises. It requires ACTIONS to complete it.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?... So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 

James 2:14,17