Repentance
A Sermon on Acts 3:19
Originally preached June 13, 1965
Scripture
19¶ Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Sermon Description
Peter addresses the Jerusalem crowds in Acts 3 with the very same call that all sermons should have: repent. In this sermon on Acts 3:19 titled “Repentance,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses Peter’s words in this passage not from a theoretical standpoint, but as a practical step that should occur at the end of every message that is shared about the gospel. Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes repentance as a “thinking again” on what one may think they know to be true. At the heart of humanity is wickedness and prejudiced thinking, yet the inerrant word of God calls each and every listener to think again about who God is and who they are in relation to God. One’s own intellect drives one’s emotions and by extension, their actions. Because of the worldly intellect, repentance requires all to think again about what they are convinced in their intellect that they already know. In order for one to truly change their ways and turn away from sin, they must allow for the possibility that their intellect may be wrong and look to the Bible for knowledge to change from pride to humble submission to God, and to turn away from flesh and the world. This is true repentance.
Sermon Breakdown
- Peter calls the people to repent and be converted.
- Repentance means to think again and change your mind. It involves reexamining your beliefs and presuppositions.
- We must think again about God. We have false views of God that must be corrected. God is not only love, but also just and holy.
- We must think again about ourselves. We are not as righteous and self-sufficient as we think. We are sinners in need of grace.
- We must think again about Jesus. We cannot dismiss him as just a good teacher. He is the Son of God and the only way to salvation.
- Repentance involves feeling godly sorrow over our sin. We must confess our sin and brokenness before God.
- We must prove our repentance through action by turning from sin to God. Repentance changes our whole life and priorities.
- If we do not repent, we face eternal destruction. But if we do repent, our sins will be forgiven.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Repentance Mean According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
What is the primary focus of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon on Acts 3:19?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon, the primary focus is on the concept of repentance as expressed in Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." He specifically emphasizes the first part of this verse - the call to repent and be converted - as an essential and vital part of the preaching of the gospel that is often overlooked or misunderstood.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say repentance must come first in the Christian experience?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that repentance must come first because of man's natural state and condition. He explains that the "carnal mind is enmity against God" and man by nature is separated from God. He provides biblical evidence showing repentance was always the first message preached:
- John the Baptist preached "a baptism of repentance for the remission of sin"
- Jesus Christ began His ministry with "Repent ye therefore, and believe the gospel"
- Peter's first sermons at Pentecost and afterward began with calls to repent
- Paul testified he preached "repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ"
He firmly rejects the idea that "repentance can look after itself and come later," saying those who teach this "know nothing about the doctrine of men as the result of the fall."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain repentance actually means?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that repentance means:
- To think again (from Latin) or to change one's mind (from Greek)
- To reexamine all one's thinking, especially about God, oneself, and Jesus Christ
- To admit that one has been wrong in their views and understanding
- To feel genuine sorrow over one's sin (what the Bible calls "godly sorrow")
- To change one's mind in a way that leads to change of heart and will
He describes it as a "complete revolution affecting the whole man and the entire personality," not merely an intellectual exercise but something that engages the mind, heart, and will.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguish between true and false repentance?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, true repentance must give proof through conversion or turning. He says:
- True repentance shows itself "in action and in practice"
- It involves "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts"
- It leads to living "soberly, righteously and godly in this present world"
- It results in turning away from the "city of destruction" toward God
- It produces a complete change affecting "the whole man and the entire personality"
He contrasts this with merely emotional decisions that prove to be "a passing, emotional little ripple on the surface of their lives" with no lasting change.
What urgent reason does Dr. Lloyd-Jones give for why people should repent?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes his sermon by emphasizing the urgency of repentance based on Peter's warning from scripture: "every soul that will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people." He explains that without repentance and faith in Christ, "nothing awaits you but destruction. And everlasting destruction."
However, he also provides the positive motivation: "that your sins may be blotted out." His final words proclaim: "I proclaim that to you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Who has died, buried, risen. To make it possible for you. Repent and believe the gospel. Your sins will be forgiven."
The Book of Acts
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.