PROVE

I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. - Acts 26:20

At the very heart of repentance is action. It is turning from one way toward another. This goes far by mere sin avoidance, to a replacing of what was sinful with right deeds. This fits well into an integrated understanding of salvation. It is not simply a mental assent to righteousness, or a spiritual awakening. It is when (without sounding too mystical) body-mind-spirit are all involved in the revolution of one's being.

We must be careful to understand that deeds to not earn salvation, but as James tells us "faith without deeds is dead." They are sign of the person who is truly repentant. We live in the real world where we act. Our actions prove our faith.

If a panel looked at each of our lives for proof of our faith in Christ, would they find convincing evidence? This is not just religious activity, but actions throughout our daily lives that prove true repentance.

ThoughtPrayer: "Lord, let my life prove my faith."

ThoughtSong: Casting Crowns "And Now My Lifesong Sings" (note: this is not the fast one, if you don't know this one, it is a fabulous song)