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Conversions in Acts
"Repentance"

Introduction:
 
        1.    In Acts 1:8, Jesus gave the apostles a specific plan for carrying out the Great Commission
               (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
        2.    As Luke showed how this plan was implemented in Acts, he also wrote about a number of
               conversions that occurred.
        3.    Studying these conversions helps us understand how we are saved from sin today.
        4.    Luke also wrote in Acts about a number of important subjects that relate to salvation, including
               "repentance."

Discussion:

I.                   PRIOR  TO  THE  EVENTS  RECORDED  IN  ACTS,  JOHN  AND  JESUS  HAD  MUCH 
                     TO  SAY  ABOUT  REPENTANCE  IN  THE  GOSPELS
        A.   John:
               1.    called upon people to repent as he preached (Matthew 3:1-2)
               2.    told the Pharisees and Sadducees to "bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance"
                      (Matthew 3:7-8).
        B.   Jesus:
               1.    called upon people to repent as He preached (Matthew 4:17)
               2.    came to call "sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:12-13)
               3.    illustrated the meaning of repentance in one of His parables (Matthew 21:28-32)
               4.    said that those who fail to repent will perish (Luke 13:3, 5)
               5.    taught that repentance produces joy in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10).

II.                IN  ACTS,  LUKE  RECORDED  SOME  IMPORTANT  INFORMATION  CONCERNING
                   REPENTANCE

        A.   God requires everyone to repent.
               1.    This point is made in Acts 17:30.
               2.    More specifically, God requires Jews and Greeks to repent (Acts 20:21).
                      a.    God wants Jews to repent (Acts 5:29-31).
                      b.    God wants Gentiles to repent.
                              1)    (Acts 26:19-20) After preaching to the Jews, Paul was to show the Gentiles "that
                                     they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."
                              2)    (Acts 11:18) After Peter recounted the conversion of Cornelius and his household, the
                                     Jews in Jerusalem agreed that God had "granted repentance unto life" to the Gentiles.
        B.   Repentance is a requirement for salvation.
               1.    In addition to baptism, repentance is required of those who desire to receive the remission
                      of sins (Acts 2:38).
               2.    In addition to being converted, repentance is required of those who desire to have their sins
                      blotted out (Acts 3:19).
        C.   Christians are required to repent (Acts 8:22).

III.             FOLLOWING  THE  EVENTS  RECORDED  IN  ACTS,  REPENTANCE  WAS  ADDRESSED 
                 IN  THE  EPISTLES

        A.   God's goodness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4)
        B.   Godly sorrow also leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-11).