Repentance of Dead Works
“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:8 ESV
Greetings, Everyone!
This month, we will start looking at one of the six essential teachings that were written in the book of Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV),
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
We will be looking at repentance from dead works. Before we move on, let’s break down each word in Greek. Repentance means “metanoia,” dead is called “nekros,” and works is called “ergo. “According to the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible (2007), repentance is also defined as penitence, feeling or showing sorrow and regret for doing wrong. So, what was the writer saying to the readers? The writer encouraged readers to mature in their relationship and salvation with God. The Israelites' works before Christ are now dead since Christ finished the work through his death. They may have created the foundation; however, Christ’s works represent the ministry's maturity.
Hebrews 9:14 (NKJV) asked, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” If we are saved and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, our works are for a living God. We are children of the Most High, and our journey with the Lord leads to everlasting life. Please do not hinder your spiritual growth with Christ. We all have different spiritual gifts and ministries. We were given the “basic” instructions; now is the time to work. Failure to repent and utilize our gifts will eventually cause the falling away from Christ (Heb. 6:5-6), leading to separation from God and spiritual death (Isa. 59:2).
In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses said, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” Now, reread the scripture. How many times was life mentioned? What is God trying to tell you? God gave us a new life in Christ, so let’s reach our next stage of spiritual development together. Remember that repentance is turning from sin to God. Our lives should represent Christ through our labor of love.
Next month, we will discuss Faith in God.
