The Feasts of Repentance

Synopsis

In gospel proclamation today, the critical New Testament element of repentance can be far too often ignored, minimalised or dismissed. Yet John the Baptist, Jesus himself, and those he commissioned to spread his gospel all spoke of the urgent need to repent.

Michael Ovey was convinced that a gospel without repentance quickly distorts our view of God, ourselves and one another by undermining grace and ultimately leading to idolatry. Only when we grasp the need for true repentance as consisting of a real change -- a transforming work of the Spirit of God -- can we fully understand the gospel Jesus preached.

With care and clarity, Ovey focuses first on the relevant biblical material in Luke-Acts, examining who repents and who does not, and the characteristics of both groups. He surveys the 'feasts of repentance' of Jesus with Levi, the Pharisees, and Zaccheus, and in the parable of the Lost Son. He then moves to more systematic-theological aspects of repentance, in relation to idolatry and to salvation; and finally to pastoral theology in the corporate life of the people of God today, with regard to self-righteousness, hypocrisy, humility, forgiveness and justice.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Heart of Repentance

This chapter defines repentance as a radical change of heart and mind that involves acknowledging and turning away from sin. Repentance is both a gift from God and a response to his grace. A real-life example would be someone who has recognized their pride and selfishness, and decides to humble themselves and seek forgiveness.

Chapter 2: The Call to Repentance

God calls all people to repentance, both through his Word and through the events of life. The consequences of sin and the possibility of God's judgment should motivate us to repent. A real-life example would be someone who experiences financial hardship as a result of their poor spending habits and realizes they need to change their approach to money.

Chapter 3: The Path of Repentance

Repentance involves three essential elements: conviction of sin, confession, and turning away from sin. Conviction of sin comes from the Holy Spirit, and it helps us recognize our guilt and need for forgiveness. Confession involves acknowledging our sins to God and other believers, while turning away from sin means changing our thoughts, attitudes, and actions in accordance with God's will.

Chapter 4: The Fruits of Repentance

Repentance produces several positive fruits, including forgiveness, cleansing, restoration, and new life in Christ. Forgiveness is a gift from God that releases us from the guilt and consequences of our sins. Cleansing removes the stain of sin from our souls, and restoration heals broken relationships and brings us back into fellowship with God. New life in Christ gives us a new nature and a fresh start in life.

Chapter 5: The Feasts of Repentance

The Old Testament festivals of Yom Kippur and the Day of Atonement provided opportunities for Israel to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins. These feasts foreshadowed the work of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. By faith in Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and enter into a right relationship with God.

Chapter 6: The Ongoing Process of Repentance

Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process throughout our lives. As we grow in our faith, we become more aware of our sinfulness and the need to continually turn away from it. Repentance is a key ingredient in maintaining a healthy and fruitful relationship with God.

Chapter 7: The Joy of Repentance

Although repentance may involve pain and sorrow, it ultimately leads to joy. When we repent, we experience the freedom and peace that come from knowing our sins have been forgiven. Repentance also brings us closer to God and others, strengthening our relationships and making us more effective witnesses for Christ.

Chapter 8: The Challenge of Repentance

Repentance can be a challenging and uncomfortable process. Pride, fear of judgment, and the allure of sin can hinder us from turning away from our wrongdoings. However, the rewards of repentance far outweigh the cost. By embracing repentance, we can experience the fullness of God's love, forgiveness, and grace.