Acts 26:20(b) “…..and then to the Gentiles that they should repent, turn to God and do works befitting repentance”.
Paul the apostle in his chain was totally committed to his call to spread the gospel and establish churches throughout the known world.
He lived what he wrote that “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Phil 1:21).
Works befitting repentance indicates that a true relationship with God will result in a Godly life-style. We are not saved by our own good works but salvation by grace will certainly change us.
As Christians, we are expected to live like Christians. Our conducts, responses has to befit repentance. Paul said in 1 Cor 11:1 “imitate me just as I imitate Christ”. Phil 1:27 also says “let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ”.
Through the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be Christ-like and true representatives of Him. Asking God to help us to be like Jesus in our conducts, speech, thoughts should be part of our daily prayers.
What attributes would you like to see in your life or the lives of your Christian neighbours?
Please share them by adding your comments to this blog. Click reply to add your comments now!
These are “wise words” to you today. God bless.
Jesus went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil because God was with Him. He expects us after repentance to go and do likewise.
very true.
I heard someone preach that we are to live our life to an audience of One (the Lord) always knowing we “play out” and live our lives before Him unto Him for His glory. This fact helped me to think about living a life worthy of the calling we have received.
Hi there,we should have in us the fruits of the spirit.This fruits in us will help
us in being like christ.We should ask God to deposit them in us.God bless.Shalom
Works befitting Repentance are the ”WORK OF FAITH [‘FAITH which works by LOVE.’ (Gal. 5:6).], LABOUR OF LOVE [‘For the LOVE of Christ urges us on…’ 2 Cor. 5:14] and PATIENCE OF HOPE [‘For your PATIENCE …in all persecutions and tribulations that you ENDURE.’ 2 Ths. 1:3].” – 1 Ths 1:3. Repentance should be accompanied with WORK OF FAITH, LABOUR OF LOVE & PATIENCE OF HOPE. Love, Faith and Hope are the three GRACES that see us through to the end if we sincerely embrace them. We are saved by GRACE and we are preserved by GRACE also. The GRACE of God is not PASSIVE and that’s why REPENTANCE calls for ACTIONS. We are JUSTIFIED by FAITH, according to Romans 5:1. And we know that the FAITH DEPARTMENT and WORKS DEPARTMENT fit together HAND IN GLOVE according to James 2:18. We can’t separate FAITH and WORKS. If we are JUSTIFIED BY FAITH then we are also JUSTIFIED BY WORKS. Our WORKS OF FAITH are LIVING PROOFS confirming that REPENTANCE has taken place. The WORKS OF FAITH can’t be done without the LABOUR OF LOVE and PATIENCE OF HOPE.
Fruit befitting Repentance is simply the nine FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT recorded in Galatians 5:22-23:
1. LOVE,
2: JOY
3. PEACE,
4.LONGSUFFERING,
5. GENTLENESS,
6. GOODNESS,
7. FAITH,
8. MEEKNESS,
9. TEMPERANCE,
Having a CAREFUL look at the FRUIT befitting REPENTACE, one would also notice that the WORK befitting REPENTANCE is an integral part of the FRUIT befitting REPENTANCE. Put differently, the WORK produces the FRUIT. You can see that LIKE begets LIKE. You reap what you sow. You can’t sow FAITH and reap FEAR/DOUBT. You can’t sow LOVE and reap HATE. Also you cant sow PATIENCE and reap IMPATIENCE. Instead, when you sow LOVE through LABOUR; you sow FAITH through WORK;and you sow HOPE through PATIENCE; then you’ll reap NINE SOLID FRUIT in return.
Blessings! Maranatha!!!
Your Co-labourer!
Many thanks for the addition.