Repentance: The Path to Restoration

INTRO

Today, repentance is heard of very little with the gospel is preached. It appears that preachers have forgotten to include it in their presentation of the gospel. Perhaps, they are too concerned with making Jesus acceptable. Regardless of the reason, it is a clear sign of a major problem.

When we read the scriptures, we see that repentance is a common theme from the OT to the NT. In the book of Acts, we see that repentance was emphasized over and over.

Intro to Acts

Peter is preaching at Solomon’s Portico after the healing of the lame man. Peter takes this opportunity to preach Christ and repentance from sins.

SOLOMON’S PORTICO A colonnade on the east side of the temple where the early church gathered (John 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12).

This portico ran along the eastern wall of Herod’s temple in the court of the Gentiles. It had two rows of columns, while the colonnade on the south side (known as the Royal Portico) had four rows (Josephus, Jewish War 5.5.1; Antiquities 15.11.5; 20.9.7). The portico was the scene of Christ’s teaching at the Feast of Dedication (John 10:23), and Peter gave a sermon there after his healing of the lame man (Acts 3:11). The early church gathered and the apostles performed miracles there (Acts 5:12).

Bible Passage: Acts 3:19–21

Summary: In Acts 3:19-21, the apostle Peter calls for repentance from the people, assuring them that turning back to God will lead to their sins being wiped away and times of refreshing from the Lord, ultimately culminating in the return of Jesus Christ.

Application: This passage underscores the transformative power of repentance, encouraging believers to turn away from sin and embrace God's forgiveness. It reassures us that no matter our struggles, repentance opens the door to renewal and restoration in our relationship with God.

Teaching: The sermon highlights that genuine repentance results in three key outcomes: forgiveness, refreshment, and hope in Christ’s return. This teaching emphasizes the importance of an authentic response to God’s call for repentance and underscores the abundant grace available to all believers.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the central figure who fulfills the promise of restoration made in the Old Testament. He is the one who provides the means for forgiveness and is the hope for the ultimate culmination of all things at His return, establishing His kingdom.

Big Idea: True repentance leads to our spiritual renewal through forgiveness, refreshment, and the hope of Christ’s return, transforming our lives and our futures.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on Acts 3:19-21, consider exploring the Old Testament background of repentance and restoration, looking especially at passages like Isaiah 40 and Ezekiel 36. You might also examine different interpretations of 'refreshing' and how this concept is received in early Christian thought. Using Logos, delve into lexical studies on the Greek term for repentance (metanoia) and assess varying theological perspectives on repentance found in commentaries.

1. Relinquish and Receive Forgiveness Acts 3:19

Explanation

The first of three promised results of repentance is the forgiveness of sins.

We see here that the Apostle Peter commands his audience to “repent” and “turn back” from their sins, in order to receive total forgiveness. Peter makes it very clear that in order to receive total forgiveness of sins, one must “repent.” .

The word, “repent” (Gk. metanoeo) means, “to change one’s mind.” The sense is to have a change of self (heart and mind) that abandons former dispositions and results in a new self, new behavior, and regret over former behavior and dispositions.

Repentance involves a sincere remorse of our sins, and ends with us trusting in God’s grace for the forgiveness of our sins.

The Apostle Peter makes it clear here that without true repentance, there is no forgiveness of sins. The gospel message cannot be preached in its entirety without the command to repent. We see the Apostle Peter include repentance in his first sermon in Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It should be noted that God is the one who grants repentance Acts 11:18

Acts 11:18 ESV

18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

2 Timothy 2:25 ESV

25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

So we see that Peter commands his listeners to also, “turn back.” This word means to change ones direction; to revert back to a previous state or way of life. When Christ tells Peter that He has prayed for him, He also says, and when you have “turned again, strengthen your brothers” Lk 22:32 signifying, “when you have returned to who you were, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:32 ESV

32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Again, Peter makes it clear that in order for their to be forgiveness of sins, one must repent and turn from their sin. The word “sins” deals with guilt of breaking God’s law. The scripture tells us that we have all sinned; we are all guilty of breaking God’s law. And as a result, we are in need of forgiveness. The Apostle Peter tell his audience that with repentance their sins will be “blotted out.” That word also means, destroyed. The sense is to erase. Its the same word used in Col 2:13-14

Colossians 2:13–14 ESV

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Illustration

Consider the story of a prodigal son who squandered his inheritance. When he hit rock bottom and repented, he returned home, thinking perhaps he could be a servant. Instead, his father ran to him with open arms, fully granting forgiveness and celebrating his return. This parable illustrates God's promise that when we approach Him in repentance, we are met not with judgment, but with love and acceptance. It reassures us that no matter the gravity of our sins, genuine repentance is met with divine forgiveness.

Application

In Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If you are a sinner, you must repent of your sins. Without the forgiveness of sins, you will perish in your sins.

2. Refresh Your Spirit Acts 3:20

Perhaps delve into the idea of "times of refreshing" as a renewal of spirit and hope that God offers through repentance. Stress that this refreshing is a divine gift, rejuvenating us when we turn back to Him. It's the promise of spiritual vitality that only Christ, through the Holy Spirit, can provide to those who genuinely seek Him.

Explanation

The second promised result of repentance is a refreshed spirit.

Peter says commands his audience to repent that they may receive the forgiveness of sins, but also that “times of refreshing” would come. The times of refreshing is a mark of the messianic age that believers experience now through the Holy Spirit: “may come from the presence of the Lord.”

The word “refreshing” means, “rest”; “relief.” The sense is, rejuvenation-the restoration of vitality and freshness.

Those who repent experience rest now but will experience full rest when Christ appears to judge the world and to restore all things.

Repentance is the gateway to inheriting God’s eschatological promises. Through Christ, the repentant sinner is refreshed, made new, and Christ will return for them when the time comes for “restoring all things.”

“appointed” chosen for oneself; to assign a duty see Acts 22:14

Acts 22:14 ESV

14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;

Acts 26:16 ESV

16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,

Illustration

In Acts 3:19, Peter calls us to repent so that our sins may be wiped away and times of refreshing may come from the Lord. This refreshment isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it's the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, revitalizing us and renewing our hope for the second coming of Christ. Much like the physical refreshment one feels after a long run, this spiritual revival invigorates us to live our faith actively.

Application

True and sincere repentance leads to real change. The Holy Spirit moves in and completely renovates the repentant sinner and gives them hope for the return of Christ. Have you experienced this change?

3. Rejoice in Restoration Acts 3:21

Explanation

The third and final promised result that Peter speaks of as a result of true repentance is a renewed hope in Christ return.

In the previous verse, Peter teaches us that the repentant sinner is “refreshed” through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This “refreshment” looks forward to the “restoring of all things.” A time when Christ returns to judge the world, and make all things new, Then, we will experience true and eternal rest with Christ.

He say, “whom heaven must receive until the times of restoring all things...” Here Peter alludes the ascension of Christ Acts 1:11

Acts 1:11 ESV

11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

This restoring all things is when Christ makes all things new. Again, we see that repentance is a gateway to eschatological promises.

This was spoken long ago by the prophets.