by John Carpenter | Oct 29, 2025 | Devotional
(9) “Now I rejoice – not that ye were made sorry – but that ye sorrowed unto Repentance: for ye were made sorry after a Godly manner…(10) For Godly sorrow – worketh Repentance to Salvation – not to be repented of: but sorrow of the world – worketh Death! (11) For behold this selfsame thing – that ye sorrowed after a Godly sort! What Carefulness it wrought in you – yea – What Clearing of Yourselves – yea – What Indignation – yea – What Fear – yea – What Vehement Desire – yea – What Zeal – yea – What Revenge! In all things ye have Approved Yourselves to be Clear in this matter!” [2Cor.7:9-12]
Before we go any further in our devotional study – let’s be sure to clarify the difference – between True and False Repentance. This particular text from Second Corinthians is one from which we can do just that. The pure truth of a chosen sinner/child of God – under the leading of the inescapable and irresistible influence of the Holy Spirit of God – awakening in them the foreboding reality of their being a hopeless and helpless sinner – is here very graphically – and descriptively announced! And, this experience must happen to any and all – who have truly been Saved by God’s Grace! Jn.1:17 literally says: “For the Law was given through Moses – the Grace and the Truth – through Jesus Christ – came.” Praise the Lord that our Eternal Salvation is not accomplished – in the Law – but only – In Christ our Lord and Savior! And, we – who are His true sinner/children in this fallen-in-sin world – God has placed us in His Son – and chosen us in His Son – unto His Eternal Salvation — “before the foundation of the world” (see: Eph.1:3-4).
From Mt.13:38 Jesus tells us in His Parable of the Wheat and the Tares that this world is His field — and His Good Seed that He has planted in His field represents the Children of His Kingdom. He also goes on to additionally say that the Tares – are the Children of the Wicked One! This explains a lot! When we are born into this world – we are born to be either the Seed of the Savior — that He has planted to come to life at His appointed time — or we are the Seed of the Serpent, the Wicked Devil. Those who are the Seed of the Savior – are totally dependent upon the Savior for their survival and their growth – especially while they are in this world – to inevitably come into hearing of the pure truth of the Gospel of the Glory – only – of Christ — so as to be awakened and quickened by His eternally saving Gospel of His Grace! Jesus said from Jn.15:5 “I am the Vine and ye are the branches; he that abideth in me and I in him – the same bringeth forth much fruit – for without me ye can do nothing!” And then from Jn.15:16 He goes on to declare “Ye have not chosen me – but I have chosen you – and ordained you – that ye should go and bring forth much fruit – and that your fruit should remain – and whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father – in my Name – He may give it you. These things (that’s all the things He has said in Jn.15) I Command you that ye love one another!”
Does not our Lord Jesus mean exactly what He says? Indeed He does – therefore, without Him – we cannot truly and genuinely Repent as 2Co.7:11 says! Without Christ – it’s ALL wrong! By God’s Grace — We are made Complete – In Him!
Make no mistake about it – the Repentance described in the New Testament is no different than the Repentance taught in the Old Testament. John the Baptist – whom Jesus declares from Lk.7:28 that there is no greater prophet than him – baptized sinners unto Repentance as a ministry of Preparation — for the Redeeming and miraculous work of the Messiah, Himself! And, when John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism – he said unto them, “O generation of vipers (seeds of the Serpent> see Gen.3:15) who hath warned you to flee from the Wrath to come? Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet (or, truly describing and displaying real) Repentance! And think not to say within yourselves – We have Abraham as our father – for I say unto you – that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham! And already also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree which bringeth not forth Good Fruit – is hewn down – and cast into the fire!” Then John goes on to say unto them: “I indeed baptize you with water unto Repentance – but He that cometh after me is mightier than I – whose shoes I am not worthy to bear – He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and Fire; whose fan is in His hand and He will thoroughly purge His floor – and gather His Wheat into the garner – but He will burn up the Chaff (the Tares) with Unquenchable Fire!” [Mt.3:7b-12]
This devotional message needs to be sounded out to churches everywhere. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Sep 26, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom GOD HATH GIVEN – TO THEM – THAT OBEY HIM.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – THEN HATH GOD – ALSO TO THE GENTILES – GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE” [Ac.11:17-18]
If ever there was any doubt that God’s Word descriptively declares that Repentance was a Gift from God – and not at all a humanly contrived act by any sinner – then Peter and the other apostles would never had said that which is written in these last two texts out of the book of Acts!
In fact, both of these texts — attribute the sinner’s Genuine Repentance — to the presence and power and accomplishment – of the Holy Spirit of Christ our God!
Make no mistake about it – Genuine Repentance is a very personal activity – that is performed by each individual True Believer in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a fact of each one whose names have been written – by God — in His “Book of Life of the Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World” (see Rev.13:8).
All those – whose sins have all been washed away by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ – “They” are the “Children of the Kingdom” of Jesus Christ. “They” are represented by the “Good Seed” in Christ’s Parable of the Wheat and the Tares – spoken of – by Him — out of Mt.13:24-30 and explained – by Him — from Mt.13:37-43.
Jesus said from Jn.6:37 “All that the Father giveth me – shall come to me! And him that cometh to me – I will in no wise cast out!” And then from vs.39 He goes on to say> “this is the Father’s Will which hath sent me – that of all which He hath given me – I should lose nothing – but should raise it up at the last day!”
Peter is the one who – in 2Pe.3:9 – is led of the Holy Spirit to declare concerning all those that the Father has given to Him – for Him to save by His grace — that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise – but is longsuffering to us – not willing that any should perish – but that all should come unto Repentance.” Praise His Wonderful Name – His Great Work of Eternal Redemption! Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jul 26, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. Faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness — instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The context of the first passage of scripture above — from Ac.17:30-31 – right up front – reveals the Source of Genuine True Repentance into Eternal Salvation. If, indeed, it truly exists in each of our lives, it is in an irresistible action that is generated – or, originated — completely by God – from within us – to come forth from us – as an obedient response to a Command from God that is directly given to us – on a personal and individual basis! The scriptures literally say that God Commands “all everywhere to repent”. But, to all of exactly – whom – does He command to repent? The answer to this question is given unto us in the Context of – unto “whom” Paul is here addressing – which is both Jews (like Paul, himself) and non-Jews — like the Greeks in Athens! In other words – God personally and individually commands all kinds of fallen and sinful men – everywhere – to Repent! It is God’s sovereign and personal prerogative – as to whom He individually and personally enjoins – to Repent of their sins and Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words – it is a Command of God – unto all – those of His choice! Which, according to God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – will be fulfilled – that through them (lit.) “shall all the families of the earth be blessed”. Praise His Holy Name! [see: Gen.12:3 and 28:14]
Hence, do the scriptures here in Acts 17 go on to clarify that God’s Command to Repent of their sins – is to — all — unto whom — as vs.31 goes on to say – to all those – of all men – that He has given “Assurance” to. And, the word “Assurance” is the same new testament – Holy Spirit inspired word for: Faith. And, “God given “Faith” (which comes into fruition only by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God) is the Firm Foundation – that our “Hope is built on nothing less – than Jesus Blood and Righteousness”! Once again: Praise His All Glorious Name!
What Paul is declaring here in Acts 17 is the same Truth that he announced 2 years prior unto the Galatians! Paul wrote from Gal.2:16> “knowing – that a man is not justified (lit.) out of works of the law – but through the Faith of Jesus Christ”. This is a statement that is so important for us to understand! It’s a statement of Gospel Truth that the Apostle declares — concerns – not just him, but also the whole family of God – as he further explains! For he says: “also WE – into Christ Jesus – Believed – that WE might be justified by – the Faith of Jesus Christ – and not out of the works of the law – because – shall NOT be justified – out of works of law – any and all – flesh.”
We will continue to unfold the Word of the Truth of the Gospel – found – in these four contexts in regards to true and genuine Repentance. Amen.
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jun 21, 2025 | Devotional
“God…now commandeth (lit.) all everywhere – to Repent – (31) Because – He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in Righteousness – by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance (or more lit. faith) unto all – in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” [Ac.17:30-31]
“And the servant of the Lord – must not strive – but be gentle unto all men – apt to teach, patient (25) in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves – if God peradventure – will Give them — Repentance – to the acknowledging of the Truth.” [2Tim.2:24-25]
“Then Peter and the other apostles – answered and said – We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus – whom ye slew and hanged on a tree! (31) Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior – for to Give Repentance to Israel – and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses of these things – and so is the Holy Spirit – Whom God Hath Given – TO THEM – that obey Him.” [Ac.5:29-32]
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us – who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ...(18) When they heard these things – they held their peace – and glorified God, saying – Then hath God – also to the Gentiles – Granted Repentance unto life!” [Ac.11:17-18]
The last several monthly devotionals have followed a common theme of what the Word declares descriptively – concerning our following the footprints of our Savior through this world – right into His heavenly presence. Now – we embark upon a subject that is not at all that far removed – from that same topic — in that we begin to examine a common characteristic that is very much a part of what the Word also describes as an obvious trait that indicates that we have truly been Holy Spirit Quickened – into truly following Jesus, who is without a doubt – our Sovereign Savior Substitute! Praise His Holy Name Forever!
Genuine Repentance is another unique and personal aspect of God’s genuine work of salvation – in every chosen sinner/child’s providence and experience – in this world. It, too, is not something that God expects the sinner – from themselves, to muster together and self-contrive, or manifest, or perform. If He waited for us to truly repent of our sins — in His plan to redeem us – then none of us would ever truly be saved by His grace. True Repentance – is also all done by Christ – or, True Repentance – does not truly exist – or, has not yet come to pass. So, what exactly is True and Genuine Repentance – and from what source does it spring into action – and why is it so important?!
“Repentance” is a marked characteristic of a True believer’s New Birth from above – by the Holy Spirit – and by the Word of God. [see: 1 Pe.1:23] Hence, Repentance draws attention to this True and Genuine characteristic of – the True Believer’s genuine experience, relationship and walk – with the Lord Jesus Christ through this evil world (or, through this world – of the Evil One). [see 2Co.4:4-6]
This is so important because – God Commands it! We will be going through the above four scriptural contexts – and we will attempt to unpack from them the pure Truth of exactly what True Repentance is – and how its character is continually being experienced in all who have been – genuinely spiritually awakened and quickened to follow – Christ Jesus – and Him alone! Amen. — John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | May 20, 2025 | Devotional
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost – that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest became us – Who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners – and made higher than the heavens…” [Heb.7:25-26]
“As ye have – therefore received – Christ Jesus the Lord – so walk ye in Him: (7) rooted and built up – in Him – and established – in the Faith – as ye have been taught – abounding therein – with Thanksgiving.” [Col.2:6+7]
“I am crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I, but Christ liveth — in me – and the life that I now live – in the flesh – I live – in the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal.2:20]
“Know ye not, that – so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus – were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore – we are buried with Him – through baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from among the dead – through the Glory of the Father – even so we – should Walk in Newness of Life.” [Rom.6:3-4]
Throughout the above scriptures – we wish to emphasize the Person and Work of our Savior – that, literally directs the very steps of His truly regenerated believers through – this still yet sin filled life – in this sin filled world. In other words, all those who are filling the description of Rom.8:14> “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God – they are the sons of God.” These are the ones that are being led by the Holy Spirit –through this world filled with trouble, trial and sorrow right from their grave — here – and right into the glory – only – of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only – Sovereign Savior Substitute – that there ever was – is – or ever will be! Praise His Name! When you read the scriptures above – just focus on what is written in red – and behold the beautiful Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ in His truly saving us from all of our sins!
Let’s summarize exactly what each of these texts describes – provided to us who have been acted upon – by the Wonderful Grace of Jesus:
1) The Heb.7 text tells us that Jesus – by His grace, alone – saves us “to the uttermost” – from the uttermost depths of Hell – unto the glorious uttermost heights of – holy, holy, holy heaven! He does this by literally becoming our sin – and suffering the penalty (the unrestrained wrath of God) for all of it! The result of this is – us becoming His Righteousness! What a most wonderful trade – our sin for His Righteousness! It is in this Way (which Jesus only – is) that gains for us – eternal approval and access into His holy heavenly Presence – forever! [see: 2Cor.5:21]
2) The Col.2 text assures us that Christ Jesus (and Him alone) has eternally secured – both – our receiving and believing Him – and our successfully walking in (or, truly following) Him – throughout the rest of our earthly – and eternal – lives! It is all accomplished by Him — and for us — through His Wonderful Saving Grace. [see: Eph.2:8-10]
3) The Gal.2:20 text brings right into view – the Cross of Christ Jesus – as the very Center of Influence of God’s entire Eternal Salvation Scenario! And, this text exactly declares that the Person and Work of Christ – at Calvary – is the very gateway into a right now – right relationship – with Jesus as we follow Him – and His footsteps – through this sin-filled-world – right into His glorious and totally victorious – eternal and loving Presence! [And remember Who Jesus really is: “the Lamb of God” Rev.13:8]
4) Points one through three lead us right into the fourth and final text, Rom.6:3-4. This text also scripturally declares to us – by Divine Descriptive Demonstration – a true testimony of our being identified as a – true seed of the sovereign Savior and, therefore, a true believing member of the Household of God – and an heir of His heritage – the Promise of God and His Eternal Salvation! [see: Mt,13:24-30 and 36-43]
— John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Apr 22, 2025 | Devotional
[Heb.7:25-26]
[Col.2:6,7]
“I am crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I – but Christ liveth in me – and the life that I now live – in the flesh – I live – in the Faith of the Son of God – who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal.2:20]
“Know ye not, that – so many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus – were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore – we are buried with Him – through baptism into death – that like as Christ was raised up from among the dead – through the Glory of the Father – even so we – should Walk in Newness of Life.” [Rom.6:3-4]
We have now come to the last two contexts of holy scripture – as listed above – that further de-scribes the spiritual relationship between the Savior and His saved ones – even as they continue their own personal and individual journey of Grace — in and through this fallen-in-sin world. Gal.2:20 delivers to us — the apostle Paul’s description — and personal testimony — of that exact reality. And, even though – the circumstances concerning his personal testimony are diverse from ours – the wonderful outcome — of having been saved-by-grace — is exactly the same! Paul literally says: “I have been crucified with Christ – nevertheless I live – yet not I, – but Christ liveth in me and the life that I now live – in the flesh – in the faith – of the Son of God – who loved me and gave up Himself – for me!”
In this “Light” “of the Word of the Truth of the Gospel” [see Col.1:5] we must not forget, nor overlook the exact words – which our Lord God told Abram and Jacob – from Ge.12:2-3 and 28:13-15 – when He first — Covenantally Called them — and manifested Himself unto them!
This, too, substantiated and confirmed to them — the way that God’s own Word – relates and reg-ulates – the walk of Abraham and Jacob – throughout their whole lives in this world. Unto Abra-ham, from Ge.12:2-3 – God tells him “and I will make of thee – a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing (3) and I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse them that curseth thee, and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed!”
Now look at Ge.28:13-15 when God reveals and confirms unto Jacob — the same Covenantal Re-lationship that He has with him! The circumstances that encompasses this — is through his dream of a Ladder that connects both heaven and earth. The scripture says: “And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac! The land whereon thou liest – to thee will I give it – and to thy seed. (14) And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth and thou shalt spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south – and in thee — and in thy seed – shall all the families of the earth be blessed! (15) And behold – I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land – for I will not leave thee — until I have done — that which I have spoken to thee of!”
It is significant that we understand that neither Abraham nor Isaac and his son, Jacob were in actuality Jews…since all Jews came from Jacob’s son, Judah. But, what about Jacob’s other 11 sons – from 3 other women? And, Christ our Lord Jesus is to be considered a Jew because both Mary – His virgin mother – and Joseph – His earthly care-providing father – were also of the tribe of Judah. Even the first century Jews that hated the Lord Jesus – considered Him to be a bastard! Neither most of them – nor even those of the household of Mary and Joseph — became True Believers —until after Christ’s resurrection. Which is what we celebrate in this very month!
The meat of this message is truly glorious – and it is what we will be addressing in our next letter. From where we will attempt to conclude the scriptural answer to the question – How do we truly follow our Lord Jesus Christ – while we are still in these sin-producing bodies – where everything we think – say – and do – is, in reality, only always imperfect – sinful? The answer to this question will totally glorify our great Savior and God, the Lord Jesus. Amen.
— John Carpenter
