Repentance: A Call from Jesus

Repentance: A Call from Jesus

Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. From the beginning of His public ministry, He proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). This message was not merely a call to feel regret but an urgent summons to turn away from sin and align one’s life with the will of God.

Sin, as defined by the moral law, is transgression of God’s eternal commandments. Jesus affirmed the unchanging nature of this law when He declared, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18, NKJV). Thus, repentance involves a recognition of where we have fallen short of God’s holy standards and a heartfelt decision to turn away from such sin.

One striking example of Jesus’ teaching on repentance is found in Luke 19:1-10. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and a wealthy man, Zacchaeus demonstrated true repentance. After welcoming Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19:8, NKJV). Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10, NKJV). This account illustrates that repentance leads to tangible changes in behavior and a restoration of what was wrongfully taken.

Repentance is not just an inward change but must bear visible fruit. As John the Baptist declared, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8, NKJV). True repentance manifests in actions that reflect a transformed heart. Repentance is an ongoing process. Jesus taught His disciples to pray daily, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, NKJV). This underscores the need for continual self-examination and turning away from sin.

Jesus also warned of the consequences of unrepentance. In Matthew 11:20-24, He rebuked the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, saying, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” (Matthew 11:21, NKJV). This serves as a solemn reminder that ignoring the call to repent leads to judgment.

God’s patience is evident in the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The vineyard owner’s willingness to give the tree another chance to bear fruit demonstrates God’s mercy and His desire for all to come to repentance.

Repentance is also linked to readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus cautioned, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass” (Luke 21:36, NKJV). A repentant life keeps us prepared for His second coming.

It is vital to understand that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the heart. As Jesus taught, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2, NKJV). Repentance cannot be superficial or merely performative; it must stem from a deep awareness of one’s sin and a sincere desire to return to God. The prophet Isaiah’s words, quoted by Jesus, underscore this point: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8, NKJV).

Jesus’ teachings on repentance call us to examine our lives in light of God’s eternal moral law and to turn away from all that separates us from Him. This turning must be genuine and heartfelt, for “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV). Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.”

2Co 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2Co 7:11
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

True biblical repentance begins with godly sorrow, but it does not end there. In other words, the proof that someone has truly sorrowed after the godly sort which works repentance unto salvation consists of the following.

1. Carefulness being wrought in us to not commit the same sin that we have repented of.
2. A clearing of ourselves in that we are no longer guilty in the matter of the sin which we have genuinely repented of.
3. Indignation or intense anger towards the sin that we once exacted pleasure from.
4. Fear to ever commit that same wicked sin again.
5. Vehement desire to now do what is right or to do that which is contrary to the sinful behavior we have repented of.
6. Zeal or a strong feeling of enthusiasm to do that which is right.
7. Revenge against our formerly sinful behavior.

In relation to point #7, Paul later said:

2Co 10:3
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)
2Co 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2Co 10:6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

God has graciously provided us with the necessary spiritual weaponry to pull down strongholds, to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Once we have truly repented, or once our own obedience has been fulfilled, we can then have a readiness to revenge all disobedience in others. In other words, we need to remove the beams from our own eyes first before we can help to remove the speck from anybody else's eye.

Well, get ready for those who will claim and insist that repentance is merely a change of mind. They are more than likely at the door.

It is for me a continual belief that Jesus the Son is risen for me to be new in his risen Life, a gift to me and all others also. Not of any work, otherwise people will boast and I have in past boasted, even thought my obedience was perfect only to be shown it is not perfect, nor ever will be on my own flesh nature, that I see now to reckon daily as dead. To not accuse or excuse anyone for any good or bad they have done. why? For if God does not get the entire credit, then somehow someway evil flesh is in the way, having no renewed mindset. Now un less one is given the new heart from God Father in risen Son for them, then these are not his kids.
To me that is what I see after a long journey here on earth trying to get in, thinking I am yet working for it to show repentance to others. Others Judge, not well for my soul to do that to anyone for me at least
God knows all secrets, wherever anyone goes and why anyone goes wherever they go
Therefore, here you go a little wise crack about us as people of flesh and blood, trying to lead us and act good enough
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John walk in to a bar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SINNERS!!
Hope we are listening as Jesus entered that rich persons house, one that was not viewed as as good person from the priests there then
Is that still going on with us the people, judging others by what we physically see, when God has a plan in all things and they could be going in for a righteous reason, maybe. yet I trust God to straighten each person out between God and them or they will choose to not believe God consciously, it is ultimately between God and the person, not us the people, that is what I see now.
I trust God all in all. I have seen God take away one sin at a time from through me to me. Amazing grace did this, not me in trying to not do it. Yet, I as Paul have a messenger of satan also, that buffets me also to keep me humble too. hoping for us all to work out our own salvation given us by Gods through Son for us. God's grace sufficient
What, happened to me in trying to not sin again, I got worse at doing it and that became a bad habit, to a characteristic, to a trait
To repent and change from a trait that is not good, takes time to see through it in God's Done work of Son for me at least, I think for us all
Oh, and if I ever think my obedience is perfect ever again Kill me Oh Lord Kill me
Daily die to self, putting all past behind me daily and continue on in belief, God will save me, and everyone else too, that does not quit belief, God did for you, not to be taken for granted.
Thank God and Son as Won (One) for us all at his cross death, then resurrection where the new life is at, for us to be new in Spirit and Truth too. Thanks for the posts here on truth thank you

Knock, knock! If we change our minds and turn away from sin, then that is all that really matters. Paul was commending the Corinthians for having those signs of repentance, but he was not implying that repentance only occurs when those those things are present.

Repentance comes from the Latin word meaning penance, ie tormenting one's self over sin.

The Greek word translated as repentance is metanoia, ie, meta (change) noia (mind). Change you thoughts, cease from sin and you're good to go. No need for drama or self-flagellation.

focusing on sin, causes self flagellation or even flagellation from the self onto others. Amazing, sin cannot go away when one, anyone is being aware of it, to better not do it or else, does not take it away as is done in Son (John 1:29, 19:30) taken away for us all at that cross to cross over with him in his risen Life given us by Father to us, all that will not quit belief will eventually see in humility. Being in Thanksgiving and praise daily. God did it Thank you God
It tears (tore me) a person to pieces, it did me for a long while when I was under Law to do to get more importantly to keep saved, which religion did for me to do to be in. I got to see why Christ came, seeing "I" am not perfect and can't be by trying to be perfect and look good in front of others, preaching 'I" got Christ as if others do not, not like me anyways (Luke 18:9-14) floored me. That has not worked and I see never will work for me at least. 'I" need the risen Christ in Father's Holy Spirit to lead, not me anymore thank you
No more a person better than any other, thanking God for this love and mercy to respond and give out to all
To me this is the call to love all as said in Matthew
Feed your enemies, do good to them, no more an eye for an eye attitudes of the flesh nature, be new in Father's Spirit and Truth through risen Son too, thank you. Oh and not that I got it, God does not me thanking God as won for us in Son to us all to choose to believe God or not

As you already know this too brother
Knock knock, who's there?

God Father in Spirit and Truth for you (the Holy Spirit) To show you truth "I" God Love you
Will you answer and believe my done work of my Son Jesus for you?
He, Yashuah, Jesus, died to first take away all sin in his God Father's sight for us the people all of us, to get given new life in Spirit and Truth of God for us to love all, get given the new life offered in the risen Son. no more the few that we have done first over the years, when we decided who is good and who is not, when Father chose through Son to reconcile us all to himself(2 Cor 5:17-20) and not count any sin against anyone but "unbelief" to his Son for us to be new in the risen One
1 John 2:1-2

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

….Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:3, 6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A psalm of repentance from David after he went to Bathsheba

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.””

the sure mercies of David

“but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

when we won’t acknolwedge our sins before god we can’t repent and it has this effect

“When I kept silence, my bones waxed old Through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.


( but when we acknolwedge our sins ) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭32:3-5‬ ‭

we can’t repent or be forgiven for things we don’t acknowledge and repent over

Please, Lord. Just this once, let it not be the wannabe theologian at my door who follows me around like a groupie.

Egads!

Why me? Why couldn't it have been a Girl Scout who was selling cookies?



"Some guys have all the luck. Some guys have all the pain..."

Oh, shut up! Who asked you?
The bold-faced part was my point. Thanks for confirming it.
Here is the biblical account of what transpired in the church at Corinth.

1Co 5:1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
1Co 5:2
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

There was a man in the church who was committing fornication with his father's wife, and Paul rebuked the Corinthians for not mourning over this, and for not putting that man out of the church. In other words, they should have been mourning.

2Co 2:1
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
2Co 2:2
For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
2Co 2:3
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
2Co 2:4
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
2Co 2:5
But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
2Co 2:6
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
2Co 2:7
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
2Co 2:8
Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

The fornicator apparently was sorry for his sin, and he also apparently repented of it, and Paul encouraged the Corinthians to receive him back lest he be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

2Co 7:8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
2Co 7:9
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
2Co 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2Co 7:11
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The Corinthians were not only made sorry by Paul's letter to them, but they sorrowed after a godly sort or manner, and the proof of that was that they brought forth works worthy of repentance, and this is what Paul preached everywhere that he went.

Act 26:13
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
Act 26:14
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Act 26:15
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
Act 26:16
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Act 26:17
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Act 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Act 26:19
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
Act 26:20
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Paul's commission from the Lord Jesus Christ was to open the eyes of those to whom he was sent, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins. Paul perfectly fulfilled his commission by telling people everywhere that he went that they needed to repent, and turn to God, and do works meet for, or worthy of, or congruent with repentance. That sounds like a lot more than simply changing one's mind to me, and that is what I initially stated in my first post on this thread.
https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=repentance

repentance (n.)

c. 1300, repentaunce, "state of being penitent, sorrow and contrition for sin or wrongdoing resulting in vigorous abandonment of it in one's life," from Old French repentance "penitence" (12c.), from present-participle stem of repentir (see repent).

https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=repent

repent (v.)

c. 1300, repenten, "be grieved over one's past and seek forgiveness; feel such regret for sins, crimes, or omissions as produces amendment of life," from Old French repentir (11c.), from re-, here perhaps used as an intensive prefix, "very much" (see re-), + Vulgar Latin *penitire "to regret," from Latin poenitire "make sorry," from poena (see penal).

The distinction between regret (q.v.) and repent is made in many modern languages, but is absent in older periods. To repent is to regret so deeply as to change the mind or course of conduct in consequence and develop new mental and spiritual habits. Also from c. 1300 in Middle English and after in an impersonal reflexive sense, especially as (it) repenteth (me, him, etc.).

The noun "repentance" and the verb "repent" both mean to feel such sorrow or regret for one's sins that it produces an abandonment of it, and these definitions are in perfect harmony with the biblical accounts that I just shared here.
Again, you have only confirmed what I initially stated. Repentance is more than just a change of mind. True biblical repentance results in a changed life as well, as in a cessation of sin.
The only "drama" here was unnecessarily provided by you. If you want to go flog yourself to get that out of your system, then don't let me stop you. Who knows? It just might work.

[QUOTE=" If you want to go flog yourself to get that out of your system, then don't let me stop you. Who knows? It just might work.[/QUOTE]


It's a seriousness, deeply
MartinLuther self flagellation. Definitely hated what he did in his flesh. Which led him to see that was not necessary, yet was to him. I see it, as I seem to have done that to me, maybe not as deeply, yet I did say to God please stop this, I seem to not be able Lord. ( had to settle that in me I can't God did and can). There has been also were I was able to stop it and not self flag myself over it, just saw it and quit. That was drinking too much over 40 years ago now. God has a way, always a way through Son for each one of to see it and be new in it or we might choose not to go through it, and just be as moral as can be. However, I see anyone's wanting. to do righteousness has to be better than those that got Jesus killed as said in Matthew 5:20. I will be glad to at least be a toilet bowl scrubber, and not forever burned as if dead, can't do a thing in Hades, when that day is, for whoever it is at whenever than day is for each person to be with Father and Son as Won or not, and humbly so. Thanks for the post, I take, took repent seriously, I do not repent over and over again as if I am not with Father and Son. That seems scandalous to me, thanks for your post
A perplexity, that in truth God knows who are who and what is what as in Romans 8 tells me each person personally knows within themselves whether or not they belong to God or not, that is well for my Soul thanking Father and Son as won for me and all others also (1John 2:1-2, 12) So much focus that besets each person or not, pride and guilt God hates, did not see that at first seeing that now. What a carefulness peoplele have or not have to see through the veil or not, wow, woe is me as in Isaiah 6:1-7
This is a double-edged sword. I thank God who is stronger Than any double-edged sword
Hebrews 4

I am well aware of what Martin Luther did. My intended point to the poster who seems to be obsessed with me was that I never mentioned nor hinted at anything even remotely related to self-flagellation. That is nonsense that he introduced because he has a habit of setting up strawman arguments. If self-flagellation is required on his part to remove that nonsense from his system, then let him go for it. The guy is just a troublemaker, and I had to momentarily take him off of ignore in order to respond to his latest round of nonsense.

Okay then. I got news from the post, that got me to see my own troubles, I have gone through to see truth God simply loves us all, even though we go through troubles also.
I view posts, sayings, movies, talk shows, whatever, however. Always looking for any "Gold Nugget(s)" I might find
That is what my seeking out does. Not condemning, accepting or excusing anyone
An Example
"Magnum Force" when Clint stated
"A man has got to know his own limitations" I remember that as truth to me
In "Bruce Almighty"
When Bruce asked God, How can "I" get anyone to love me, without taking away anyone's free will?"

I have been through death's, my own as well, yet I live as the Disciples said in Acts 17:28 others say, not so.
So are they dead? Gold Nugget
God says no, only sleeping as Jesus raised the dead as seen by the people.
Amazing grace for us all to appreciate and not get angst over anymore, no matter what another's purpose, motive is, from anyone else even self, you think?
Love all is Love all, includes enemies All, Feed (Spirit food) them it is the Love of God that won and wins to this present second forever
Not easy being in unredeemed bodies to see and be new in love to all as shown to me by Son going to that cross willingly, who seriously never had to. He did it willingly in trust to his Father, for us to do the same willingly.
I do, see and understand your angst, you not alone in it
Just, learning to see past it all, in God's love and mercy to all and for all, at least to me
"Love" God's type 1 Cor 13:4-7 ask for that type of Love to be imputed into you too, thank you love you, no matter what you have done wrong or might be going through that you now hate that you do still and not want to.
God in this love for you is the only way it is taken out of you. You not doing it. Rather God's done work of Son doing it through you in God's love and mercy to all
That is unfathomable to the first birth of any human flesh and blood, It takes beleif that does not quit, no matter what to God has won it for you. then you will see things leave and not by you trying to do it. By God for you, who just does not condemn as people do, includes me in the first birth, before being born new by God only, thank you
So, ask Father for the new you. see yourself as a caterpillar, trust God to be born new by God for you. To be put in a cocoon and then become born new like as if a butterfly that is, that happens from a caterpillar. The worm (A caterpillar) becomes a Butterfly. I know I see a Butterfly, I never say, hey look at the Old Converted worm, do you? Probably not
But people do that to people, I thought you were saved they say when, People judge and do not know, how sad!

A relational joke for you
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John walk into a bar
Those of religion see this, what do they say or just think
"Sinners" Why can't we as people start to love as are loved first by God first as said in 1 John 4?

Because religion focuses on sin, more than new life in the risen Son for them, This keeps people in under sin
Re-read Romans 7 please and then 8 God will reveal this to you too
Love to all is the call, otherwise Son would not have gone to that cross ever willingly, He never had to, yet he did it and is risen where your new life in the risen Son begins in love to all, yes all, not easy when you have those that have harmed you

“Because religion focuses on sin, more than new life in the risen Son for them, This keeps people in under sin”

the truth sets people free of sin

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If he was keeping everyone under sin he would tell them “ don’t worry about repentance your all saved regardless “ then they would all think “ sin doesn’t apply “

abut that would defeat his purpose in coming

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭

Repentance of sin is of course what we, as born again children of God, should be doing.

However, it is only by the repentance of DEAD WORKS that we can be saved. Acknowledging we ARE sinners, TOTALLY incapable of having any part of saving ourselves, and turning from sin apart from the working of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus hadn't even died for their sins when He says to repent.

If we COULD repent of ALL of our sins before conversion, we wouldn't need Jesus to convert us, or for Him to know us in the sense of making us NEW Creations.

So turning from sin is ALWAYS the right thing to do, but we must understand that turning from sin can't save us. And that is the danger. That we may THINK that it is our "repentance" of sin that saves us.

I'm sure most mature Christians know this, but baby Christians may be confused about the repentance issue.

Those sinners Christ came to call to repentance are blessed indeed, because with His Mighty call repentance to them is given with salvation/forgiveness of sins, Acts 5:31

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

You have to be careful not to make self effort/works, part of getting converted.

Repentance isnt good behaviour... its a change of mind about who Jesus is.

Going from unbelief in Jesus ..to belief in Him.

Knowing you are a sinner, and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. That He is God, that He lived sinless, that He died and rose again.

That by believing in Him..you have eternal life.

That is all.

John 3:16, 3:36, 5:24, 8:40

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Jesus Luke 13:3 (KJV)
Jesus was emphatic
"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Jesus Luke 13:5 (KJV)
God made a covenant with man and whomsoever chooses to accept HIS WORD and repents, this is the confirmation of man acceptance to Gods covenant shown in obedience to HIS Word, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14.
Paul wrote: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:16
Paul continues in his testimony
'But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." Acts 26:20 (KJV)

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:" Acts 17:30 (KJV)

Repent, (change of mind) to a new mind set in the risen Son for me at least to do work, (Not any of my own work) rather the done. work of God Father that is done. by Son once for us all to be given the new life in the risen Christ
Which is Love to all, not a few, as that is what the first born flesh can only do, love those that love them back. Does not love all, goes against others and rebukes accuses and flogs them too. The same as got done to Jesus to begin with, by the Pharisees, what is up with that y'all?
Do we really not see what we are doing playing as if we are better than others in religion as if we are better than you as in Luke 18:9-14
Woe is me and thanking anyone and all, not taking away anyone's free will given them too, thank you
Believe as you want to believe, no one has to live like a refugee
God loves all, otherwise God would not have gone to that cross ever willingly, that is what I see and am in thanksgiving and praise over this miraculous gift given us to be in love to all, God's type of love of 1 Cor 13:4-7 imputed to his kids, wow!

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.' Rev 14:13

*Who will render to every man according to his deeds:'
Rom 2:6 (KJV)

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor 5:10 (KJV)

"And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5:29

Don't confuse working for salvation with working for Rewards.

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
Titus 1:16 (KJV)

thanks for the reminder, there are those that know and choose to not believe yet, act as if do
I need God to lead not me and remain humble in it all. the war of the first born flesh and blood and the Holy Spirit of God that only God seeks for us to seek God out in Spirit andTruth as in John 4:24
God offers, we either beleive God in risen Son for us or not thanks