4 – Repenting and Renouncing Sins
Bible Verses
Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (NIV)
Isaiah 1:18 – “ ‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’” (NIV)
Luke 5:31-32 – “Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ ” (NIV)
Acts 2:38 – “Peter replied, ‘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.’” (NIV)
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (NIV)
Discussion
Repenting for your sins means turning from the things that you have done, which were violations or breaking God’s law or commandments, or going against His word or will for your life, and turning back toward God. Sin is defined in scripture in (1 John 3:4) (NIV): “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” And (Romans 3:23) (NIV) says: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The first step is to confess your sins; this can be done to another person or in prayer to God, or both. The next step is to repent, which is to turn away from your sin and restore your direction by returning to God and seeking His ways. Then, renounce which is to disown, reject, deny, and come out of agreement with the sinful behavior, actions, or thoughts.
Prayer
Father God, I come humbly before You to ask for forgiveness for the sins I have committed. Please help me to search my heart, Lord, so that I can lay everything before You. I confess that I have committed the following sins: (Fill in the blank) ____________________________________________________________________ I repent and renounce all of these sins that I have confessed. Thank You Father that You are faithful to forgive me and wash me clean by Your Holy Blood. I thank You Jesus, for paying for my sins and Your power that sets me free.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.