Christianity Gives A Second Chance

Christianity Gives A Second Chance

by | Jun 4, 2024 | Blog

Christianity gives a second chance. And that’s what sets it apart from other religions. Because life is complicated and we don’t always get things right the first time. So God gives us a spiritual do over through a walk of faith.

Christianity gives a second chance to change your life

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and follow me.

If you’re headed in the wrong direction and need a course correction, Christianity offers a second chance to turn your life around.

But first you have to recognize the real problem. What the Bible calls sin. Essentially, sin is separation from God. Represented by the natural inclination to follow selfish desires and disobey God’s moral laws. However, Jesus Christ is the remedy when we willingly choose to follow him.

Jesus described it in a conversation with a religious leader named Nicodemus.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. (ESV. John 3:3)

Sound confusing? Nicodemus was certainly confused. Because Jesus was talking about a spiritual rebirth. And that takes place when we confess Jesus as Savior and follow him as Lord.

It doesn’t mean we are suddenly perfect and never sin again. Or the earthly consequences of sin goes away. But it does mean that in God’s eyes, our sin is wiped clean.

Christianity gives a second chance to change your mind

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV, Romans 12:2)

Sin trashes our minds. Fills it with fear, anxiety, loneliness, mental disorders, traumatic memories, and more. Because our adversary, Satan, wants to keep us mentally oppressed. But God renews our minds.

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (ESV, Matthew 4:17)

The change begins when we repent. Hold on, it’s not the stereotypical, red faced pastor screaming condemnation and judgement.

The Greek word is mĕtanŏĕō, which means to think differently or reconsider. It’s an act of our will to consciously move in a new direction. The point is, God does not control or manipulate our decisions. We have to want His second chance offer. But He heals the demons in our minds when we turn it over to Him.

Christianity gives a second chance to change your heart

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. (ESV, Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Well meaning people say we are basically good. And encourage us to follow our hearts. However, Scripture says our hearts are full of sin. And following it leads to eternal death. But through Jesus our hearts are changed when we seek his forgiveness of sin.

That’s when God goes to work.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (ESV, Ezekiel 36:26-27)

The change is not always immediate. But it is dramatic as your character radically transforms into a new person. One with a new perspective, purpose, and sense of hope in a walk of faith.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Blog

There is life renewing power in Biblical repentance. No matter what you’ve done. Haven’t done. How good or bad you are. Or think you are. Biblical repentance starts a whole new life.

Wow! Why then doesn’t everyone repent? Maybe because Biblical repentance is misunderstood. So let’s look at what Biblical repentance is and the life renewing opportunity it presents.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance Begins With A Decision

There’s a popular sterotype of red-faced preachers, worked up in an angry frenzy, pounding on pulpits and demanding congregants to repent from sin. It’s an image that promotes condemnation and fear. And often turns people away from the Christian faith.

While Jesus never condemned people for their sin, he clearly called them to repent. And his message holds true today. So what did he mean?

The Greek word for repent that Jesus used is Metanoeo, which means to change one’s mind. But even more, it’s a change in direction. A spiritual U-turn that turns away from sin and turns to God.

You may experience emotions when you repent. The Apostle Paul discusses a Godly sorrow that leads to repentance. But emotion is not a requirement.

What IS required is to engage your will. For you to willingly profess and actively follow Jesus Christ.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance Involves A Life Long Practice

Also, repentance is not one and done. Yes, there is an initial change of mind. A decision to turn from sin and turn to God. Declare your willingness to follow Jesus as the Son of God. And in that moment you are spiritually renewed and transformed from the inside out.

This starts your new journey of faith. Where God’s Spirit lives in you.

But you’re not done. You will have to repent on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Because your past doesn’t simply dissolve. There are experiences, pain, emotions and scars that remain. And perhaps consequences of behavior.

Yes, you are new and transformed. But old patterns of behaviors and habits will present themselves. Along with the temptations of a real, spiritual enemy who wants you to fail. And while God’s Spirit now resides in you, so does your sin nature. So you won’t win every battle over sin.

But you will experience ultimate victory. Because God’s forgiveness and mercy are overflowing. So repenting on a regular basis becomes an important practice in ongoing spiritual renewal.

The Life Renewing Power In Biblical Repentance Is A Spiritual Partnership

The Prodigal Son Bible parable pictures God as a loving father who desires a relationship with you. Who waits eagerly for your homecoming, rushes to meet you and celebrates your return.

It confirms that repentance is not just one way event. But the start of a dynamic relationship. Where God is an active agent. Who calls you to repent. Might even be calling you now. Are you listening?

And beyond repentance, God’s Spirit empowers you. Intercedes on your behalf. And guides you on a spiritual journey of discovering and following His will.

There will still be hardships, challenges and setbacks. Jesus warned that discipleship has costs. But at the same time, it’s a forward moving journey. One with a promise and a prize.

And totally worth it.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a freelance copywriter, published author, playwright and pastor. He publishes drama at www.chiptudor.com, books on Amazon.com, and articles on his blog.

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