Salvation is the first precondition for God's favor by asking for
God's mercy upon us through Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Repentance is the
second precondition for God's favor (2 Chron.7:14). Jesus preached to the
Jews, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" (Matt:
4:17) This prepares us for receiving the kingdom of God in our hearts. Repent from
what? From Idolatry and Disobedience, individually and corporately.
Lev.26:40-42 says, "If they will confess their sins and the sins of
their fathers ... then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for
their sin, I will remember my covenant ...." 1 John 1:9 says,
"If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Old Testament
points out that confession must be followed by repentance and perhaps restitution.
One of the preconditions for bearing the Fruit of the Spirit is repentance
(Galatians 5:24). For the new Christian nature to grow, the old Adamic
nature must be 'put to death' by repentance (Colossians 3:5-11).
It is best if you have one other Christian you can use as a confessor, perhaps
be co-confessors. James 5:16 says, "Confess your sins one to another
and pray for each other that you may be healed."
Here's a repentance sheet that breaks the
power of sin.
(P.S., this is called "sanctification.")
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