Necessary Change

Luke 3:3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Years ago many strands of Christianity were infected by extreme legalism: People were told that if they watched movies, played cards, wore jewelry, or make up there was no way they could go to heaven. The message was: get your act together then maybe God will accept you. In a reaction to that, a new wave of grace-focused evangelism emerged: Just believe in Jesus and you will go to heaven. This provided a much needed reminder that we cannot earn our own salvation. Christ took our place on the cross, and we only receive that benefit by believing in him.

However, faith in Jesus is not intended to leave us the same. Jesus is our best friend, but he must also become our Lord and Master. As Jesus reminds us over and over in a variety of ways, we cannot love both Jesus and our sin. We must make a change when we come to Jesus. The word for that change in this passage is repentance. The Greek word is metanoia. It literal means a change of mind, but the implications are far greater. As we change our mind about our sin, a heart change should result, and, ultimately, a behavior change. As John instructs a few verses later: “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” He goes on to list specific examples for specific types of individuals. What does this essential change mean for you? As John suggest it may be an increase in generosity and kindness. Perhaps it will be a difference in your choice of words.

We do not work hard to earn God’s grace by our works, but as we receive that grace, we must repent, that is change our mind, heart, and actions. Our lives will change as a result.