Do we really understand the significance of repentance and its place in god's plan for redeeming the lost?  I read a wondwrful tract by Charles Boshart and lead to the creation of this sermon today..

1)  IT'S NECESSARY
     A.  Luke 13:3 - "Unless you repent you shall all..." ; Acts 3:19; Act 11:8; Acts 17: 30,31; Acts 26;20;
           2 Cor. 7:10; 2 Pet3:9 - all of these passages emphasize the importance of repentance.!

2)  IT'S NOT...
     A.  Sorrow - 2 Cor 7:10  Notice the distinctions.
          1.  Notice the difference between "sorrow" and "repentance"  Notice also it's Godly sorrow. Some are sorry they got caught.
          2.  Read also Acts 2: 37,38 - Peter said "repent you".  Note, sorrow for sin is not repentance but comes before it and brings it about.
          3.  Repentance is NOT just turning to God.  Acts 3:19 - If it was, then the Word would say turn and turn..
          4.  Repentance is NOT just a reformation of life - reformed is contained in the matter of turning.  One reforms his life when he turns from his evil deeds. - examine Mt 3:8.
                a.  look at 2 Cor 12:21 - when you examine this verse it's obvious repent is not just to reform.

3)   IT IS...
      A.   Thayer - "to change one's mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins.
      B.   Abbot-Smith - " to change one's or purpose."
      C.   Vine's - to change one's mind or purpose cuased by sorrow for sin, which leads to a reformation of life.
             1.  examine Mt 12: 41 and Jonah 3: 4ff and discuss.  Repentance is a change of mind that leads to , and requires as it's effect, a change of manner of life. 
             2.   Mt 21: 28,29 - discuss
             3.   Rev 9: 20,21 - discuss
                   a.  both of these passages reveal the idea repentance is a change of mind or purpose caused by sorrow for sin that leads to a reformation of life.

4)   THE ORDER OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH IN THE PLAN OF SALVATION
      A.   Many denominational bodies teach that the repentance of the gospel must come before faith of the gospel.  They allege that the alien sinner must repent toward Christ before he believes toward Christ.  they declare the Bible teaches this idea and gives certain passages that prove this.
            1.  Mt 21: 32, Mk 1:14,15, Acts 20:21 and Heb 6:1 ll mention repentance before belief, but, not one of these passages requires repentance before faith toward the same object.  Therefore, they cannot teach that the gospel requires repentance toward Christ before faith toward Him.
            2.  Mt 12: 41, Acts 2 and 2 Cor 7: 8-10 all have faith before repentance when directed toward the same object.
            3.  That repentance comes after faith is shown by the fact that something must cause repentance.
What is that?  It could not be faith, or anything based on faith, if repentance comes before faith.  What causes it and what brings it about?  If faith comes before repentance, there's an adequate explanation of cause for repentance, but, if repentance comes before faith, there is no adequate cause for it.
            4.  Consider this..suppose a preacher goes to a land of unbelievers and starts preaching.  Would he preach repentance first or to believe in God and Christ so the people could realize that they have sinned against God.?