PURPOSE

After believing grace, the biblical response is to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:36-38).

Repentance, however, is a powerful blessing from God that has been stripped of its potency.

The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, means after mindset. With this gift of hindsight, we see clearly to take the right path the path of living for God rather than for self.

Repentance is not a work that leads to salvation; rather, it is our awakening to come to our senses and live the way God had always intended for us.

It is more than a decision; it is God allowing us to see a new worldview, which always results in the fruit of a turned, changed life.

Romans 3:21-27 (Tap to Expand)

All are in complete need of grace for all have sinned.

Christ is propitiation or atonement (temple illustration) for the wrath we’ve earned.

He redeems (slavery illustration) us; he justifies (legal illustration) us. Discuss the illustrations.

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (Tap to Expand)

  • Why does Peter call us to repent as a response to the cross (Acts 2:38)?
  • Because we are convinced of Jesus’ love for us through the cross. His love motivates us to repent; that is, to live for Him rather than for ourselves.
  • Jesus’ resurrection opens our eyes to look beyond the earthly realm.
  • The old is gone, the new has come! What does the new life look like?
  • How do we view people through our new repentant eyes?
  • Sinful deeds are obvious.
  • What does will not inherit the Kingdom of God mean?
  • Be as specific as necessary to both explain and share about the sins listed.

Luke 3:7-14 (Tap to Expand)

  • The fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset. John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism. If you were to ask John, What should I do? how would he respond to you? (Notice that he directs no one to pray and weep before God, confessing how bad he or she feels about his or her sins which many people today confuse for repentance.)
  • Has anyone ever shared empty words with you in order to minimize God’s wrath to sin and sinners?
  • Exposing sin to the light is a great step toward proclaiming a real need for grace.

Mark 14:26, 15:41 (Tap to Expand)

  • Jesus chose to die for us. Who killed Jesus? I did. You did.
  • Reflect on the reasons why Jesus endures these afflictions (my sins require it, and His love offers it).

1 Peter 2:21-25 (Tap to Expand)

  • Why did Jesus die on the cross for us?
  • So that we might die to sin and live for the new righteousness that the cross provides.
  • This is our response to the cross.
  • Your sin has made a separation between you and your God.
  • This study is not just about a list of sins, but instead about the depth of your separation from your Father.

Acts 2:36-41 (Tap to Expand)

Peter has preached the message of the cross. What are the next steps?

John 3:16-21 (Tap to Expand)

  • Do you prefer the darkness over the light?
  • Are you ready to move into the light of God’s grace?

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES