A lot of people everywhere don't like hearing the word "repent." It almost feels like it's unbiblical.
Christians aren't free from the blame on this. The reason why so many non-believers shun the idea of repentance is probably because many believers have misrepresented it. Repentance has long been portrayed as a burden and a terrible thing.
Truth be told, repentance is the most beautiful expression of God's grace. Consider this: The moment that sin entered into humanity, all of us -- from our ancestor Adam to the succeeding generations -- deserved nothing except death and eternal separation from God. But in God's goodness and grace, He gave us a way out of our biggest mistake. He gave us repentance.
Repentance is defined as turning away from our sinful and utterly destructive nature and turning to God. It involves the surrender of our own will and desires, claiming that God is the one true Lord who will reign over our lives.
In Acts 2:38, Peter declared to some of the first Christian converts, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
So the question "Can I be a Christian even if I don't repent of my sins?" actually has two answers. The answers are yes and no, but allow me to clarify first.
Can a person declare that He follows Christ even if he does not repent? By all means, let him or her do so. To deny them that would be a violation of the human right to freedom of speech. However, to declare oneself a Christian without living a life of repentance does not mean that we are truly followers of Christ.
Christianity goes beyond lip service. It is not an action service either, in case you were wondering. Christianity is rather a heart service -- the turning of our hearts away from our sin and turning to God, and then, as a result, confessing it with our mouth and deeds.
So in that light, the answer to the question would also be a resounding "No." To live a life of repentance is essential to living a life that follows and pleases God.
Romans 2:5 says, "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed."
When we refuse to repent, we refuse the grace that God has given to us so that we may stop trusting in the sinful flesh and turn to Him. Refusing God's grace will only bring destruction, stress, worry, fear and doubt into our hearts. But to live a life of repentance means more than turning away from sin. It also means that we now turn to God completely and give every ounce of our being to Him as He has done for us.
