Jehovah Saints Bangladesh: Understanding Repentance & Salvation

Evangelist Joshim of Jehovah Saints Bangladesh felt led to share this important message with everyone. Let us explore the biblical meaning of repentance and its connection to salvation.

1. What Is Repentance?

Many understand repentance as “a turning from sin.” While regretting sin and turning away from it are aspects of repentance, the biblical definition goes deeper. In Scripture, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” True repentance results in a transformation of both mind and actions.

Luke 3:8–14: John the Baptist calls for repentance, urging people to “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 involves a change of mind that leads to a change in actions.

2. Repentance and Salvation

The connection between repentance and salvation is a central theme in the Bible, particularly in the book of Acts. To repent for salvation means to change your mind about sin and about Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38: Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, calls the people to repent:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Peter urges those who rejected Jesus to change their minds, recognize their sin, and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. This change of mind leads to faith in Christ.

3. What True Repentance Looks Like

Repentance involves recognizing past wrong thinking and adopting a new perspective about God, sin, and holiness. It is prompted by “godly sorrow” and leads to salvation:

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."(2 Corinthians 7:10)

Repentance and faith go hand in hand—two sides of the same coin. It is impossible to place faith in Jesus Christ without first changing your mind about sin and who Jesus is.

John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”
Romans 2:4: God’s kindness leads us to repentance.

Repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation; it is a gift of God’s grace (Acts 11:18).

4. Evidence of True Repentance

While repentance itself does not earn salvation, it results in a transformed life. True repentance leads to actions that reflect a changed heart:

Matthew 3:8: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Galatians 5:19–23: The fruit of the Spirit stands in contrast to the works of the flesh, showing the evidence of a changed life.

A powerful example of repentance is found in the story of Zacchaeus:

Luke 19:8–9:“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.”Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house.”

Zacchaeus’s repentance was evident in his actions: he turned from greed to generosity, from dishonesty to restitution.

5. Repentance Is Necessary for Salvation

Repentance is essential for salvation because it involves a change of mind about sin and Jesus Christ. It is a recognition that sin is not something to toy with but to forsake, as we flee from God’s judgment:

Matthew 3:7: “Flee from the coming wrath.”

It is also a change of mind about Jesus—no longer rejecting Him but embracing Him as Savior and Lord.

Key Takeaways:

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change in actions.
Repentance and faith are inseparable in the process of salvation.
True repentance is a gift from God, prompted by His grace and kindness.
A repentant life will produce fruit that reflects a transformed heart.

Reflection

Let us examine our hearts today. Have we truly repented of our sins and placed our faith in Jesus Christ? Repentance is not merely a one-time act but a daily turning to God, seeking His will, and walking in His ways.

2 Peter 3:9:“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

May this message inspire us to live lives of true repentance and faith, bringing glory to God in all we do.

Blessings,

Evangelist Joshim

Jehovah Saints Bangladesh

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.

Donate Now

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!