Repentance

The second principle of the the Gospel is repentance.
It's very important that we look at repentance as the experience that will lead us upward and onward.

When a person undertakes to repent, they should not be looked on as a wicked person, in fact, they should be admired for trying to work through sins head on. They are acting in complete faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that He can truly fix and heal our hearts and the heart of those who we may have injured through on sins.

True Repentance will include the following:

1. True remorse or sorrow for the sin(s) we have committed.
2. Full confession of the sin
3. A complete forsaking of the sin or sinful lifestyle.
4. The determination never to fall into the sin again
5. The making of restitution for the sin so far as possible
6. Living an obedient and commandment keeping life
7. The asking of forgiveness from God and those whom we have sinned against.

As you can see, Repentance is a life long process. The Lord Jesus Christ asked us to replace the sacrifice of burnt offerings that were made for atonement in the Jewish Temple with a "Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit".

This is an essential step in gaining the grace of Jesus Christ. Repentance alone will not save us. However it is a requirement or a key that brings us to Jesus' Grace. As Latter-day Saints, we believe that it is the Grace of Jesus Christ that is the only way to heaven. "I am the way, the truth and the light, no man comes unto the Father but by Me."

Having said that, how does one come to Christ? If Christ is the way to Heaven, how does one "get Christ". The answer is: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. All of this is spelled out in the Bible.

Repentance is the process that prepares us to receive a remission of our sins through baptism. One cannot repent without faith. One cannot be baptized with any effect unless they are willing to repent and make a covenant that they will try to keep the commandments.

The end result of TRUE repentance is ALWAYS Forgiveness through the mercy and merits of Jesus Christ. If one truly repents, there will be peace in their hearts and in their minds. They will experience the love of the Savior. They will actually come out of the experience with a change of heart, one ready for baptism and it's sacred covenant.

I testify that repentance is a blessing. It is the way to truly get rid of the extra baggage we carry around and give it to the Savior who knows how to carry that burden.

He wants you and me to repent not because He wants to punish us, but because He wants to save us from the full consequences of sin.

Who can repent? EVERYONE. There is grace available to every repentant sinner. There are blessings waiting for you as you repent of the sins and mistakes you make.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.