This is a big subject and we just touch the surface here.
Jeremiah 25:5-6 (KJV)
5 They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:
6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
In the NKJV “Turn ye again” is rendered “Repent”. Repentance is turning from evil and turning towards GOD obeying Him. That is doing what He says.
The fear of the LORD leads us to repentance and obedience
Psalms 111:10 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Albert Barns explains: ‘That do his commandments – Margin, as in the Hebrew, “do them.” That do the things connected with the fear of the Lord; that is, who obey God.’
Our walk in Jesus Christ start with hearing His word, believing and then repenting that is turning from our old ways to GOD’s ways.
Our walk in Jesus Christ continues with hearing His word, believing and then repenting that is turning from our old ways to GOD’s ways.
Repentance is not a one off action to leave and forget. None of us can say that we have no sin. That sinless state is reserved for heaven, when we leave the sinful flesh (body) behind. But it does not mean we should give in to sin and keep on sinning either. Have a read of Romans 6:1-23. It explains this and shows us that Jesus Christ freed us from sin so we do not have to serve sin but serve Righteousness. Yes, our flesh still carries the seed of sin but our spirit is now righteous and our souls is what is now being sanctified. So as we walk in the Holy Spirit we walk in and serve Righteousness. When we bring our soul in subjection to the Word of God (as we hear it, read it, meditate on it, and do it) then we walk in the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 (KJV) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. If we listen to our Carmel desires, expose ourself to the things that feed them and meditate on them (that is keeping it in the forefront of our mind) we then go by what we “feel” and walk in the flesh. When that happens then we need to repent. I am talking form experience and in James 1:12-15 (KJV) it outlines this process:
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
We are tempted by our our own carnal lust and desire (from the sinful flesh). If we let ourself be and give in to temptation (enticement) then that lust and desire has been conceived. When it is birthed we do the act of sin and the result is death. That is why the LORD asked us to pray for each other that we might not be lead into temptation but delivered form the evil one in the LORD’s prayer.
Thank GOD that as in Romans 6:22-23 (KJV) it says
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let us fight the good fight by obeying GOD, resisting the devil walking in the victory he has given us and if we slip and fall repent right away and keep on walking in the light. We are fee from sin, serving GOD bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit living a holy live and will be with Him forever.
1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;