Others remain indifferent or even resistant to this call for revival. Things are not so bad, they think. Those who call for revival often get labeled "alarmists," "hypocrites," or "super-spiritual” in need of spiritual changes themselves.

However, revival requires the recognition of sin in one's heart and an aggressive pursuit of personal holiness. Those who sincerely desire revival do exhibit these characteristics.

Sadly, the believers who resist the call to revival in the Church conclude that they do not need nor desire a spiritual transformation in their lives. They consider their spiritual condition satisfactory and sufficient. They need only minor adjustments…nothing radical.

When we come to the Scriptures, however, we find that the Bible identifies certain qualities of those who satisfy God's requirements and enjoy His blessings. So, if anyone lacks them in their lives or the life of the Church, they need spiritual transformation. I could point to many of these references, but I call your attention to a well known verse on revival, 2 Chronicles 7.14.

It describes the promise of God to Solomon's prayer. Solomon sought assurance from God that He would turn the condition of His people if they turned to sin and then sought Him again. It outlines God's requirements before He will turn once again to His people in blessing. Specifically, I point to the last of God's demands in this verse, "...turn from their wicked ways." This obligation specifies repentance, a lost practice in the Church today.

Fallacies of repentance

As one might expect, numerous false ideas about repentance abound. Many find it totally unnecessary. You might expect such a view in nonChristians, but it also expresses the view of many believers. According to these persons, it represents an old fashioned and outdated practice. Perhaps it had a place in the Old Testament, but certainly not in our enlightened age. But such a view results from self-satisfaction with current conditions, rebellion against God's commands, or ignorance.

No wonder, then, that many in the Church of Jesus Christ emphasize salvation without repentance. In addition, this fallacy advocates forgiveness without repentance. In essence, it proposes that spiritual transformation can occur without repentance. But, that describes a false view of repentance.

Some people mistake sorrow for sin for repentance. If one experiences sadness, grief, or even terror over sin(s), (s)he believes that repentance has taken place. But such sorrow can often times result from the effects of sin. In addition, it can arise from a fear of impending judgment against that sin.

In truth, repentance includes sorrow in part, but it does not necessarily bring about a change in behavior by itself. No one will question the great sorrow that Judas experienced after he had betrayed Jesus. Yet, Judas did not repent of his grave sin. Sorrow fools many into thinking that they have repented. Unfortunately, they have mistaken a part for the whole.

Others substitute a resolution against sin(s) for repentance. In this instance, some vow to remove certain practices from their behavior and think they have repented. Again, this fallacy substitutes a part for the whole. Like sorrow for sin, a resolution against sin(s) can result from an extremity of circumstances. One fears future evil or judgment and vows to "never do it again."

Repentance does include the desire to leave behind sinful practices. But it includes much more. The Bible details the number of vows that King Saul made to stop his pursuit and desire to murder David. Yet, the Scriptures do not describe the King as repentant for his sinful behavior.

Many believe that separation from certain sin(s) qualifies as repentance. This has led to the "Don't" lists that some have. It can proceed from convenience, good judgment, or designs for personal benefit. Often such plans only substitute one set of sins for others. It sometimes comes from a fear of harm, a desire for health, or an aspiration for money.

This delusion also substitutes a part for the whole. Repentance does demand a separation from sin, the end result of repentance.

For example, King Ahab, one of the vilest of Israel's kings, had a moment of partial repentance for his gross sin, but it did not bring full repentance. He died in his sin.

These false concepts of repentance affect only part of the man. True repentance changes the whole man: mind, heart, soul, spirit, and behavior.

Facts of repentance

Against these false views of repentance stands the sure, certain truth of Scripture: God requires repentance for spiritual transformation to occur. Without it, nothing happens. The Bible boldly unites repentance with salvation and sanctification.

For example, our Lord Himself spoke of its requirement as part of salvation. At the outset of His earthly ministry, Jesus declared its demand. We find His words recorded in Mark 1:15:

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Note the Lord's inclusion and demand for repentance. He made it an indispensable part of salvation. I have heard many sermons, and sadly preached some myself before I came to the truth, that make no mention of repentance. It presents salvatin as a salve for the hurts of mankind and a solution to life's problems. In essence, the Church too often presents a salvation without repentance.

Jesus made no such offer. Salvation requires a complete change of lifestyle. He made no allowances for one of any other stripe or color. Such decisions do not fulfill the demands of Christ. Christ does not provide salvation primarily as a cure-all for human hurts.

It does bring joyous effects into the lives of those who repent and believe. But mankind needs salvation through Jesus Christ because of our horrible sin. He provides the only way to peace with God. He requires repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, His provision for sinners like you and me.

In addition, sanctification, Christian growth and maturity in holiness and righteousness, requires repentance. In fact, like salvation, sanctification cannot take place without it. I can refer to no better reference than the text for this article, 2 Chronicles 7:14:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

In this promise from God to Solomon, God stated repentance two times. First, the phrase "...shall humble themselves..." describes one who comes to God in repentance for sin. Further, the verse demands one to "...turn from their wicked ways." before God will hear and answer.

In the writings of the Holy Spirit through Paul, one cannot ignore the call to repentance. Every letter calls for a change in behavior from sin unto holiness and righteousness.Time and time again, the Apostle lays down the challenge of repentance. God demands repentance of His people as part of the ongoing spiritual transformation and reformation of a believer from salvation unto sanctification.