Repentance Brings Freedom

By: Gina Welsh

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalms 34:5

I enjoy springtime every year because it signals new life. Flowers bloom and start showing off their colors, attracting bees and butterflies. Spring is when we celebrate Easter and remember our redemption. Easter is a time where we celebrate our rescue from sin and eternal death. On the cross, Jesus paid for our sins and gave us the opportunity of eternal life. We no longer need to fear death or hell because of Jesus. He didn't stay in the grave; he defeated sin and death with His resurrection!

...the one who formed you, says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)

Jesus' death redeemed us and restored our relationship with God. It also freed us from the shame and guilt sin brings. Our struggle with sin won't end this side of heaven, but if we are a Christ follower, sin no longer dominates our life. Christians aren't perfect, so we will still make poor choices and occasionally sin. But when we sin, we can be restored if we are genuinely sorrow for it and repent.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 (NLT)

Repentance results in a clean conscience, wipes the slate clean, and prevents shame and guilt from hindering our relationship with God. Repentance doesn't just happen at salvation; it is part of the life of all Christ followers who desire to be in a close relationship with God. Repentance is like a guardrail that keeps us on the right path, God's path. Repentance doesn't just restore our relationship with God, it protects and improves our relationships with others.

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation... Isaiah 30:15

We can be confident and effective in sharing God's love when unrepented sin doesn't cause us to shrink back shamefully. Repenting of our sin helps us remember how much we need God's help! When we pridefully try to solve our problems ourselves, God won't help us. The scriptures say when we're prideful, God will oppose us. But when we are humble, repentant, and acknowledge how much we need Him, He will generously give us His grace and the help we need (James 4:6).

If you have any unrepented sin, cry out to God and tell Him you're sorry. He is ready and waiting to restore your relationship!