Repentance: The Fruit of Regeneration
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 16
📖Scripture: “But the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit, because it is foolishness to them; they are not able to understand it…” -1 Corinthians 1:14
🔎Reflection: Repentance is not the cause of regeneration but the fruit of it—produced by the Holy Spirit’s work in a heart made alive. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all” (John 6:63). The new birth comes first: “Everyone who has faith that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” (1 John 5:1, perfect tense—faith follows rebirth). Paul affirms, “God may perhaps grant them repentance” (2 Tim 2:25)—repentance is evidence of the gift, not a prerequisite for it. There are countless moral people still stuck in the prison of their own sin... banking on their self-righteousness to enter into heaven.
The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26–39) illustrates this: the Word (Isa 53) was proclaimed, the Holy Spirit opened his heart. Repentance and baptism followed, not to cause or earn salvation, but to confess it. If humans truly had free will in our total depravity and separation from God, then we could simply “choose” to submit and worship God in Spirit & Truth. That would make the Cross of Christ nice, but not essential. If repentance were necessary for regeneration, then it wouldn’t be by grace through faith. It would be a works-based salvation. Scripture rejects that lie. Just like Lydia in Acts 16:14, “the Lord opened her heart to pay attention,” then she believed.
Salvation is “not of our own doing... not a result of works” (Eph 2:8–9)—not even the work of repentance. Instead, it is “God who is at work in you” (Phil 2:13), and repentance is one of the firstfruits of that divine work. The Ethiopian eunuch bore Gospel fruit the moment he heard and believed—immediate repentance, immediate baptism, immediate discipleship. His faith wasn't quiet or theoretical—it was visible and transformational. That’s the proof of Christ’s life in us.
🤺Action: Was your repentance to earn God's love or the fruit of regeneration by the Holy Spirit? Whom have you proclaimed the Gospel to lately? Ask God to open one door of bold proclamation today. Whether a conversation, testimony, or sharing your own story—don’t let today pass without sowing seed.
🙏Prayer: LORD Jesus, I want to bear fruit that glorifies You—souls reached, lives transformed, and a living testimony that points to the power of the Gospel. Give me boldness today. Open my mouth and make me a herald of Your truth. Use me to call others to repentance and eternal life in You. I live for Your kingdom. Amen.
Click the following YouTube link for a short video version:
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
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