The Call to Repent

If you've been around churches for any length of time, then you've probably come to realize that the topic of repentance is a reoccurring theme in the Christian community. And while it is true that we are to repent of our sins, I feel that far to often our focus drifts away from the grace and mercy of God  and instead lingers on the promises of hell-fire and eternal damnation for those who refuse to confess their sins and repent. What is even more disturbing to me, is that we then turn around and justify ourselves by attaching verses like John 3:16 to signs, bumper-stickers, and sermons condemning the people around us —the very people that God loves and died to save. (John 3:16, Romans 5:6-11)

Indeed, most Christians can quote John 3:16 by heart—many nonbelievers also know what it says. But very few people take the time to read what Jesus goes on to say in the following verses.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

~ John 3:16-21New Living Translation (NLT)

Do you see what Jesus is saying here? It is not through repentance that we are saved; is is through faith in Him alone! Salvation is not the result of repentance; repentance is the result of salvation. (1 Peter 1:13-25)

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that we are to continue living in sin. Nor am I trying to downplay humanity's need for a savior or the existence of hell. What I am saying however, is that we need to remember what it is that saves us. It isn't the good things that we do. It isn't our own righteousness. It is by grace that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ; not our repentance. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  And while it is true that all sin, great or small, leads to death (Romans 6:23), I want you to look very closely at what Jesus said in John 3:18-19. 

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil."

~ John 3:18-19New Living Translation (NLT)

What sin is the world going to be judged for? 

Rejecting Jesus Christ. 

That is the only sin that cannot be forgiven: blaspheming the Holy Spirit by ignoring His convictions and rejecting what Jesus has done for you. (John 16:8, 1 John 5:1-12) 

So then, how are we to reach people for Christ? We could focus on repentance and condemnation. But that can lead to legalism and self-righteousness, which would do more harm than good.
Remember: the Holy Spirit is our helper. It is He that teaches us to follow God and reveals the sin in our lives. Without Him we are blind. So how can a person who has never accepted Christ be expected to see their sin as anything other than normal human behavior? (Jude 19) 
When we make a habit of pointing out the sins of strangers we become Pharisees and hypocrites. We push them away from God, and reinforce the negative stereotype of Christians, the Church, and ultimately Jesus himself—who is the head of the Church. 

That being said I feel that the best way to show people God's love is through actions—following the example given to us in 1 Peter 3:8-17.

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
 Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
    and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
    against those who do evil."

"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!"

~ 1 Peter 3:8-17New Living Translation (NLT)

Get to know the people you are trying to reach. Be friends with the unsaved people in your lives. Don't join them in doing the things you know are sinful. But take the opportunity to tell them about your faith gently, without attacking them. Remember, they have been blinded to the truth. (2 Corinthians 4:3-5) You can't help a blind man to see by beating him with a stick. The same is true of unbelievers. We can't force people to see the sin in their lives by beating them over the head with a Bible. The only way for them to truly repent is for God to soften their hearts and change them from within. If they are receptive to His truth and repent of their original sin—denying Jesus—then they will be filled with the Holy Spirit. Their eyes will be opened. They will see their sin for what it truly is and begin to repent as a result.

That is the mistake that far too many Christians make. Repentance isn't a once-in-a-lifetime event: it's an event that takes a lifetime, and ultimately ends with our sanctification. A righteous life isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. And the only way to finish strong is to have Jesus running along side you. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy[ awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."

~ Hebrews 12:1-2New Living Translation (NLT)

See Also:

"Excuse me, but do you know that you're going to hell?"