Do You Have to Repent to Be Saved?
The Shocking Truth Most Churches Won't Tell You
Imagine you're drowning. Someone throws you a life preserver, but you refuse to let go of the anchor dragging you down. That's exactly what happens when people want Jesus to take them to heaven, but won't repent!
Jesus made it crystal clear: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3).
Not "maybe perish." Not "might have problems." You WILL perish without repentance.
Every Gospel Preacher Demanded Repentance
Look at the consistent biblical pattern:
John the Baptist's first message: "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2).
Jesus's first sermon: "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).
Peter at Pentecost: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38).
Paul to the Gentiles: "God...now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30).
After His resurrection, Jesus commanded "that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations" (Luke 24:47). Notice repentance comes FIRST, then remission of sins.
The Deadly Deception of "Easy Believism"
Modern churches have invented a false gospel that removes repentance. They'll tell you:
- Just repeat this "vain" prayer
- Just believe and you're saved–and the belief they ask of you is not based upon a repentant heart. Remember, the devils also believe, and tremble–but the devils won't repent!
- God loves you just as you are–with no mention of sin and its wages of death.
This is spiritual poison.
False teachers create emotional moments—you cry, walk an aisle, repeat words you don't mean—then, they pronounce you "saved." But emotions aren't salvation. You cannot get saved without repentance. Period.
What Is Real Repentance?
Acts 20:21 defines it perfectly: "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
Repentance isn't:
- Going to a priest (that's what Judas did—and hanged himself)
- Just feeling sorry
- Simply admitting you've made mistakes
True repentance is turning from whatever you trusted before and turning completely to God. It's admitting you're a sinner headed for hell and desperately need Christ's salvation.
God's Goodness Should Break Your Heart
Romans 2:4 asks, "Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
God has been good to you:
- You woke up this morning
- You have food to eat
- You're reading this message right now
- And most importantly, Christ died for you while you were still a sinner!
How can you despise such goodness? How can you refuse to repent?
Tomorrow May Be Too Late
Here's the terrifying reality: once you die without Christ, it's eternally too late. No second chances. No purgatory. Just judgment.
The rich man in Luke 16 begged for someone to warn his brothers about hell. He learned too late that hell doesn't reform anybody—it just torments forever.
Don't gamble with your eternal soul.
If you've been trusting in:
- Your good works
- Church attendance
- Religious rituals
- Being "better than others"
- a vain prayer, a Christian had you repeat.
You must repent—turn from trusting these things and trust Christ alone.
The Decision That Determines Your Destiny
God commands you to repent. Not suggests. Not recommends. Commands.
Will you continue despising His goodness? Will you keep believing the lie that you can be saved without repentance?
Or will you humble yourself right now, admit you're a sinner, repent of whatever you've been trusting, and put your complete faith in Jesus Christ?
Your eternity hangs on this decision.
This urgent message barely scratches the surface of biblical truth about repentance. Listen to the complete expository preaching of this sermon for powerful verse-by-verse bible teaching that could save your soul from hell. Don't let another day pass without getting this right! 🔥