Message by Evangelist Joshim of Jehovah Saints Church, Bangladesh
- Johnathan Hopkins
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
What is Repentance, and is it Necessary for Salvation?
Message by Evangelist Joshim of Jehovah Saints Church, Pakistan
Evangelist Joshim shared the following teaching with his congregation, accompanied by a photo of the members holding their Bibles and a small booklet titled "Jesus is My Friend."
Understanding Repentance
Many people define repentance as “a turning from sin.” While regretting sin and turning away from it are important aspects of repentance, the Bible provides a more precise definition. The word “repent” in the Bible means “to change one’s mind.”
True repentance is not just about feeling sorry for sin but involves a transformation that results in changed actions. As the Bible says:
Luke 3:8:“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Acts 3:19:“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
The Apostle Paul summarized his ministry by saying:"I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds" (Acts 26:20).
In short, repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change in behavior.
Repentance and Salvation
Repentance is essential for salvation. The book of Acts emphasizes the connection between repentance and salvation:
Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Acts 11:18: “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
To repent in the context of salvation means to change your mind about sin and about Jesus Christ. For example, in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, he called the people to repent for their rejection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:36–38). Repentance involves recognizing Jesus as both “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36) and embracing faith in Him as Savior.
The Nature of True Repentance
True repentance involves:
A Change of Mind: Recognizing that past ways of thinking about sin, God, and holiness were wrong and choosing to think rightly going forward.
Godly Sorrow: Repentance is prompted by “godly sorrow” that leads to salvation:
2 Corinthians 7:10:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
A New Disposition: A repentant person develops a new perspective on God, sin, and righteousness. They no longer toy with sin but forsake it as they flee from God’s wrath (Matthew 3:7).
Repentance and Faith: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Repentance and faith are inseparable. It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ without first changing your mind about sin and who Jesus is. Whether it’s repentance from willful rejection or ignorance, salvation requires a change of mind that leads to faith in Christ.
John 6:44:“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”
Romans 2:4:“God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”
Repentance is not a human work to earn salvation but a gift from God, made possible by His grace (Acts 5:31; 11:18). Salvation, including repentance and faith, is entirely the work of God.
The Evidence of Repentance
While repentance itself does not earn salvation, true repentance will result in visible changes in a person’s life. John the Baptist said: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (Matthew 3:8).
A truly repentant person will exhibit the following:
A Changed Life:
2 Corinthians 5:17:
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Galatians 5:22–23:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Good Works:
James 2:17:
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
An Example of Repentance: Zacchaeus
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 provides a vivid example of repentance. Zacchaeus, a tax collector who had cheated and stolen from others, experienced a radical change of heart after meeting Jesus. He declared:"Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8).
In response, Jesus proclaimed:"Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9).
Zacchaeus’s repentance was evident in his actions—he made restitution and embraced a life of generosity.
The Call to Repentance
Repentance is necessary for salvation. It involves changing your mind about sin and about Jesus Christ. No longer is sin to be excused or ignored—it is to be forsaken. No longer is Jesus to be mocked or rejected—He is to be worshiped and adored as Savior and Lord.
Matthew 3:7:“Flee from the coming wrath.”
2 Peter 3:9:“The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
May we all examine our hearts and respond to God’s call to repentance, trusting in His grace to transform us and lead us into a life of faith and obedience.
Conclusion: Join Us in Bringing Hope to the Homeless
At Jehovah Saints, we are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ by providing safe shelters, warm meals, and hope to those in need. Our mission to build homeless shelters around the world is inspired by Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
This is more than just a project—it’s a movement of love, compassion, and transformation. With your support, we can expand this mission and provide a place of refuge for countless individuals and families who are struggling. Together, we can make a difference and shine the light of Christ in the darkest corners of the world.
How You Can Help:
Pray for our mission and for the homeless communities we serve.
Spread the Word by sharing this initiative with your friends, family, and church community.
Donate to help us build more shelters and provide essential resources for those in need.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to changing lives. Click the button below to make a contribution and be part of this life-changing mission.
Thank you for your generosity and for standing with Jehovah Saints as we answer God’s call to care for the homeless. Together, we can build not only shelters but also hope, dignity, and a brighter future for those in need.
God Bless!
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