Repentance is defined by Thayer as “to change one’s mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence one’s past sins.”  This principle is demonstrated by Jesus in the Parable of The Two Sons found in Mathew 21:28-29.  In this account a father asks his two sons to go work in his vineyard. The second son says yes and then doesn’t go, while the first said no, but later “repented and went.”  This account demonstrates how one should repent. Some teach that repentance is all that is necessary for salvation.  In contrast the Bible teaches in this parable and elsewhere that obedient action is necessary.

The Gospel has called us unto salvation. In 2 Thessalonians 2:14 Paul wrote, “whereunto He called you by our gospel to obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” All mankind has been and is being called by the Gospel unto obedience to Jesus Christ.  In order to obtain the glory of the Lord one must heed the call.  Just like the Parable of The Two Sons, God has asked us to do something.  Will we say “yes” like the second son and then not do it?  Or will we having said “no” in the past, repent and obey like the first son? Now is the time to repent and heed the call of the Gospel.

Nothing that you have done in the past should keep you from repentance.  The Scripture states in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that “Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of (regretted).” Are you sorry before God and ready to change your purpose to serve Him?  If so then like those who had, just a few days earlier, crucified Jesus Christ ask the question, “…what shall I do?” The answer they received was clear and simple in Acts 2:38 when the Apostle replied; “Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” The same answer is for us as well – Repent of your past sins to receive salvation.  Do it today!