The Hardest Command in the Bible


  1. JWMc - "The greatest obstacle to salvation is the obstinacy of the human will."
    1. Even in the United States today:
      1. It is easy to get men to believe in God.
      2. It is easy to get men to confess their faith (see the PK's)
      3. It is easy to baptize the penitent believer
      4. But it is hard to get men to REPENT
    2. Such was the case in the days of the first century:
      1. Jesus
        1. John 6:22-71
        2. John 8:30-59
        3. Matthew 11:20-21 Chorazin & Bethsaida condemned
      2. Paul
        1. 1 Corinthians 1:17
        2. 2 Corinthians 7:8-12; 12:21


  2. Misunderstandings Concerning Repentance
    1. It is Sorrow for sin - Matthew 27:3 Judas
    2. It is ceasing from sinful activity - smoke, drink, adultery, gamble
    3. It is admission of wrong / sin - Joshua 7 Achan
    4. It doesn't require restitution - Luke 19 Zacchaeus
    5. It changes your past - Jeffrey Dahmer, Carla Faye Tucker
    6. It doesn't require change of life - I can just repent... Luke 3:10-14




  1. Why Understanding Repentance is Vitally Important
    1. We recognize the defiling nature of sin - 2 Cor 6:14- 7:1
    2. We realize the barrier sin places between us and God:
      1. Isaiah 59:1-2
      2. Romans 3:9-12, 23; 6:23
    3. This compels us to be rid of the stain and consequence of sin:
      1. Acts 28:27-28
      2. Acts 2:36-38
    4. Why repent?
      1. Fear of the Judgment - Acts 17:29-31
      2. Because of the goodness of God -
        1. Romans 2:2-6
        2. 2 Peter 3:9
      3. Because we cannot be saved unless we repent:
        1. Jesus commanded it:
          1. Luke 13:3, 5
          2. Luke 24:46-47
        2. The apostles preached it:
          1. Acts 2:38
          2. Acts 3:19
          3. Acts 17:29-31
          4. Acts 26:20