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     When asked the meaning of repentance, some respond, it is sorrow about one's sins.  Actually that answer defines penance, not repentance.  The scriptures are clear on this point — “…that your sorrow led to repentance.  For you were made sorry in a godly manner…” (2 Corinthians 7:9).  Thus repentance is a decisive change resulting from sorrow.  Many folks will answer repentance is a resolution to stop doing evil, such as lying, fraud, stealing, fornication, drugs, drunkenness, & etc.  These are commonly called sins of commission.

     The apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian congregations which had gone into apostasy and would be lost eternally if there was not a change (Galatians 5:4), i.e., to return to God's way, and thereby becoming honorable citizens in His kingdom.  This repentance involved ceasing the sins of commission, which Paul called the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and emphasized folks who live in those sins would not go to heaven.  His admonishment included much more.  However, stopping sins of commission is only part of the transformation of the citizen's responsibility.

     Honorable citizenship in Jesus kingdom requires an even more radical transformation.  Paul continued, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22, 23).  Some might dismiss these as not important, but consider this - failing to strive to develop these in attitude and practice are sins, commonly called sins of omission.

     The apostle Peter restated these traits, commonly called the Christian graces or better said, the steps of development into Christlikeness (1 Peter 1:5-9).  Peter enlightened the citizens to be diligent in developing these attitudes of Jesus which are necessary to enter heaven (verses 10, 11).

     Peter continued, ‘Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy”’ (1 Pe 1:13-16).  Paul commanded, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Citizens of Jesus kingdom must strive to develop the traits exemplified by the example of Jesus, the King of His kingdom.

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