Love Perfected — Why Christians Still Need Repentance

<p>What happens after we trust Christ?</p><p>Salvation is not the end of the Christian journey—it is the beginning. In this final message of the <strong>Love Perfected</strong>series, Pastor Mac McDonald looks at <strong>repentance</strong> and its place in the lifelong process of sanctification.</p><p>The Greek word <em>metanoia</em> speaks of a changed mind and disposition toward sin and God that results in a changed direction. Repentance isn&#39;t getting saved again, nor is it something we do to keep our salvation. It is part of the continuing walk of someone who already belongs to Christ.</p><p>Beginning with Jesus&#39; parable of the seed planted in good soil, we see that new life is meant to grow and bear fruit. But even mature believers can allow old attitudes, pride, anger, jealousy, fear, bitterness and other sins to creep back into their lives.</p><p>David&#39;s prayer in Psalm 51 shows the heart that longs to be renewed: <strong>“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”</strong> Peter&#39;s failure in Galatians 2 reminds us that even a mature believer who has walked with Christ and borne tremendous fruit can still stumble and need correction.</p><p>The Christian life is a continuing journey of growth—recognizing sin, bringing it honestly before God, repenting, abiding in Christ and continuing toward spiritual maturity.</p><p>We are not striving for sinless perfection. We are growing toward completeness and maturity in Christ, so that His love increasingly becomes visible through our lives.</p><p><strong>“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16</strong></p><p>This is <strong>Love Perfected</strong>.</p><p><strong>Pastor Mac McDonald</strong><br>First Baptist Church of Casa Grande<br>Casa Grande, Arizona</p><p><strong>Biblical Truth • Real Stories • Pastoral Hope</strong></p>