” Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).  During the reign of Tiberius Caesar in 26 A.D. (Luke 3:1) a young man  (John) was sent to be a messenger to prepare the way for the Messiah who would be revealed during this young man’s ministry. This young man lived in the wilderness, the desert area of Judea; he wore garments made of camel’s hair and wore a leather girdle around his waist; his diet consisted of locusts and wild honey. 

His name was John the Baptist. Regardless of how strange his lifestyle may seem to us, John the Baptist came with a very important message to give to the people of Israel.  He lived in the area around the Jordan River and all the people of Jerusalem, Judea and the regions surrounding the Jordan went out to see this man and to hear his message. What was the message that he had for them, the message entrusted to him from Yahuah to give to the people of Israel? His message was simply:  “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)

He had come to prepare the way for Yahusha HaMashiach, and his ministry was to preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Yahusha the Messiah, the Son of Yahuah; 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of Yahuah, make his paths straight. 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 1:6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Ruach Kodesh.

John’s ministry paved the way for Yahusha to begin His ministry; both were united in purpose in their preaching about repentance that would pave the way for the eventual salvation of the world; of all those who would repent and choose to accept to live the Way Yahuah prescribes for mankind.

John’s father Zacharias also prophesied of HaMashiach when John was eight days old, indicating that the time was at hand:

Luke 1:67  And his father Zacharias was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, and prophesied, saying, 1:68 Blessed be Yahuah Elohim of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 1:71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 1:72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

And then Zachariah prophesied of his little son and the kind of work he would do in his life:

Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of Yahuah to prepare his ways; 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

When Yahusha began His ministry, His first message as it is written in the Bible, was to preach about repentance; His words were, “…repent and believe the gospel.”

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Yahusha came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of Yahuah, 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Yahuah is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Repentance; this word and what it stands for is of such supreme importance, it is so vital to the overall plan of salvation that without it there is no turning from our sinful ways, no spiritual growth, no salvation; only a looking forward to destruction and death, and not to a glorious life as a child of Yahuah for all eternity. Repentance is the catalyst that begins the process of delivering a person from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of Yahuah unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of Elohim; 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

The sincerely repentant are redeemed [purchased back from a debtor] by Yahusha’s blood, that is true; but the first thing we have to do in order to be forgiven is to repent of our sins against our Creator/Father. It begins in the heart of sincerely being sorry for the sinful things we have done and for being a sinful person; this remorse is absolutely necessary for the other important actions that follow repentance.

John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:2  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Yahusha proclaimed to the world in Mark 1:15 saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Yahuah is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel”.

Peter told the crowd that gathered at Pentecost to: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yahusha HaMashiach for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh.” (Acts 2:38)

The English definition for “repent” is: 

1.To amend or resolve to amend one’s life as a result of contrition for one’s sins.

2. To change one’s mind with regard to past or intended action, conduct, etc. on account of regret or dissatisfaction.

3. To feel regret, contrition, or compunction for what one has done or omitted to do.

The Greek word for “repent” is metanoeite (Strong’s #3340) and it means: to change one’s mind or purpose, to think differently; or afterwards i.e. reconsider (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct).

In Matthew 3:7 it says that when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducee’s come to be baptized, he said to them “O generation of vipers (venomous snakes) who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that Yahuah is able these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

In saying that they were “the children of Abraham”; the Pharisees and Sadducee’s thought of themselves as being righteous simply because they were Abraham’s descendants therefore being linked to him and his importance; they were blind, as they could not really see any need to repent of their own sins.

Their “righteousness” was a facade and they apparently wanted to be baptized under false pretenses (as an outward perfunctory ritual and not of the heart earnestly desiring to turn from their sins) but John was able to discern their true heart and told them that they needed to show certain fruits (proofs of true repentance) to be truly forgiven for their sins and then they would be ready for baptism. What he was basically saying was that they needed to examine their hearts and their behavior to determine if the fruit of repentance was evident, and if it was, be baptized; then they truly could be called Abraham’s sons. (Galatians 3:6-8)

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Yahusha HaMashiach is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Each year as we approach the Passover season, we are admonished by Scripture to examine our lives to see if we have strayed in any area. As we get ready to partake of the bread and the wine, we need to ask ourselves: what does John mean to “bring forth fruits meet for repentance”? If we just change our minds about something we are doing that is wrong, isn’t it enough to just look at it, confess it, and then forget about it? I don’t mean that we need to keep a guilt trip hanging over our shoulder for Yahuah says that we are to come boldly before the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrew 4:15-16). But as John told the religious leaders looking for the fruit or proof that we have truly repented, is important if we want to grow and overcome the carnal tendencies and attitudes that we all have.

If we look at the definition of repentance, we see that to bring forth fruit would mean to show forth the proof of a changed heart that really has repented of the sin in our lives. So just like there is the fruit of the Ruach, John says in this verse that there are fruits of repentance. Is there anywhere else in the Bible that lists what those fruits are? One place is in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

This is what Paul had to say to the believers in his letter as he commended them of certain things after they had repented of tolerating the man in their congregation who had been sinning with his father’s wife. The Corinthian congregation had positively repented of their lack of doing what was right and as a result, they followed Paul’s instruction to disfellowship the sinner for his own good and for the good of the congregation.  (1 Corinthians 5:13) Paul explains how it all works, first being sorry leads to repentance, and then repentance to salvation and other benefits as well.

2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

The antecedent of true repentance is godly sorrow, which if it is truly sincere, will bring about repentance evidenced by a CHANGE of behavior. Godly sorrow is not the same as repentance itself, but it is a good preparative to repentance, and is an intense heartfelt emotion or pain that can motivate us to repent of our sins, in other words, to change our minds and go in another direction.

2 Corinthians 7:11 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.

Paul is saying that because of these fruits, he can see that they had really repented in this matter. In Galatians 5:23-24 we read of nine traits of the Ruach HaKodesh that indicate that one has Yahuah’s Ruach. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul lists seven fruits or proofs (indications) of real repentance as evidence that one has really repented. He praises the Corinthians for repenting of their sin as he says that the following fruits were wrought in them: carefulness, clearing of yourselves, indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal and revenge. So let’s take a look at each one of these fruits.

Carefulness: The Greek word is spouden (Strong’s #4710) and means haste, diligence, it’s root is from  the Greek word speúdō, (Strong’s #4692) which means to “move quickly,  “speedy diligence”  (intensity). (a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm, forwardness.

Carefulness means all these things, so basically the Corinthians were diligent (or careful) and enthusiastic to repent of this matter of sin in their midst and once they saw that they had been wrong, were on fire to make things right. When Paul first became aware of this sin he implied that they had been lax and very casual in tolerating this man and what he was doing: this could even mean that they had a Laodicean type attitude about what was happening and it appears they were indifferent to their spiritual responsibility to rid this sinful leaven from the congregation and themselves. But then because of Paul’s correction they came to recognize that their laxity in this matter was not right, it was sinful.

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 5:4 In the name of our Saviour, Yahusha HaMashiach, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Saviour Yahusah HaMashiach, 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the ruach may be saved in the day of the Saviour Yahusha.

Paul then says in his second letter after they had repented, that they had used “carefulness” (diligence) to speedily or with eagerness, earnestness, enthusiasm, repent and did what they needed to do to set things right.

If one truly repents, one of the fruits of that repentance will be “diligence”, and if one is diligent to turn from their sin, that diligence will be a sign that the repentance is real.

The Corinthians were NOW applying their knowledge of Yahuah’s will and quickly did what was right in regard to reprimanding the sinning individual and putting him out of their assembly. Yahuah will empower us to accomplish what is right and good if we do our part in being diligent. We often get somewhat lazy in applying ourselves; but real sorrow over our sins, motivates us to the action of a diligent effort to accomplish the CHANGE that needs to take place, whether it be sins of commission or omission.

The next fruit is: ‘clearing of ones self”.

Clearing of ones self: The Greek word is apologia (Strong’s #627) means defense, “intelligent reasoning” – properly, a well-reasoned reply; a thought-out response to adequately address the issue(s) that is raised. The Greek root word of apologia is aololuho (Strong’s #628) and means to “wash away” or to “wash oneself” which seems to fit better in this particular context; as when one washes away the dirt or sin, then things become clearer (or cleaner).

The members in the Corinthian congregation at first were not dealing with the tolerance of this sin in their midst and it was harming their reputation and their representation as being Yahuah’s people. By allowing a wicked man that was committing despicable things to be a part of their fellowship, it appeared as if they were condoning his sin and they were not glorifying Yahuah at all.

And in 1 Corinthians 5:13, Paul says in no uncertain terms “….put away from among yourselves that wicked person!”  And not only was this person and his sin staining their reputation but they were in danger of being influenced by him, because it is by walking with wise people that we become wise, but if we associate with those who claim to be believers but are openly sinning in an “in-your-face” type of way, we will only suffer harm and slowly we will begin to think and act like they do (Proverbs 13:20), and not only that, it will stain the reputation of the assembly that is supposedly representing the Body of HaMashiach.  It is a natural consequence and is why Yahuah is so adamant about His holy people staying away from willfully wicked, sinning people, and therefore instructs His people to cast the unrepentant sinners out of their assemblies.

Haggai 2:11 Thus saith Yahuah of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, 2:12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. 2:13 Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. 2:14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith Yahuah; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.   

And this fits the generation we live in our day as well!

So this was another indication or proof of repentance by putting this man out of their congregation; they had cleared their name and had restored their reputation in their group and in the sight of men and of Yahuah.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Saviour Yahusha, and by the Ruach of our Elohim.

Revelation 1:6 And from Yahusha HaMashiach, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

In genuine repentance, the person will wash himself by the blood of the Yahusha HaMashiach’s sacrifice, and therefore Yahusha will clean away the dirt and stain from his heart and his reputation; and he will be spiritually clean again. 

The next fruit of repentance is: “what indignation”!

Indignation: The Greek word is aganaktésis (Strong’s #24) and it means: feeling of anger, indignation, vexation, to be greatly afflicted, be much (sore) displeased. Have (be moved with) indignation or anger.

An English definition: anger excited by that which is unworthy, base, or disgraceful; righteous wrath.

An example is when Yahusha threw the money changers out of the Temple

John 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

After Paul had pointed out to the Corinthians their sin, they became filled with indignation, an emotion directed by righteous anger toward things that are not right. They were angry over what they had allowed and then drove the sin from their midst because of their righteous indignation. If we see that we have sin in our lives or are allowing sin to creep in, then we, too, are justified in becoming angry over it and let it motivate us to repent. Here again, Paul says that this was proof that the Corinthians had indeed repented.

Deuteronomy 29:28 And Yahuah rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.

Nahum 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Sin often does and should evoke a kind of strong emotion of righteous anger, and if directed at sin as Yahuah does with His indignation, this righteous anger can be a tremendous tool in rooting out sin when we find it within ourselves.

When applied in this way, this too is an indicator that shows up as a fruit of repentance.

The next fruit or indicator is: “fear”.

Fear: The Greek word is phobon (Strong’s #5401) and means panic, flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror.

English definition: to fear is to have painful emotion marked by alarm; dread, disquiet. A state or habit of fearing, anxious concern, solicitude, awe; profound reverence especially for Yahuah.

If we truly do fear Yahuah in a healthy way, then we will fear to sin against Him and will quickly and diligently repent of sin when we become aware of it. As David says in this psalm;  “he thought on his ways and made haste to turn himself to keep Yahuah’s commandments.”

Psalm 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

Psalm 119:38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

This is another fruit of repentance; to have this kind of fear of disobeying Yahuah and to repent quickly when we discover the sin in ourselves. Having the fear of Yahuah will also prevent us from sinning any further and is for our good.

Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for Yahuah is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Deuteronomy 6:24 And Yahuah commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahuah our Elohim, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

Deuteronomy 8:6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of Yahauh thy Elohim, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

The next fruit of repentance is: “vehement desire”.

Vehement Desire: The Greek word is epipothéō (Strong’s #1971, and from potheō #1909) and means to yearn for properly, to long for, especially as it is fitting (apt) i.e. builds on (Gk epi, “upon”) the objective, “yearn affectionately,” having a great affection for, to have a yearning love for, i.e. to long for, strain after, desire greatly, indicates a strong and persistent craving, not necessarily sin, but often it can be sin. In this case it is a good fruit: A strong intense persistent craving for the things of, and the keeping of the righteousness of the whole word of Yahuah.

We know from experience that if a person doesn’t really want to change, he won’t. But if he comes to the point of really wanting to change something in his life, he will take the necessary steps to make that change come about. He will have a strong desire to do so even to the point of sacrifice and giving up even basic needs to achieve whatever is desired.

It is like someone who tries to quit a bad habit, for instance smoking. If family members, who care about the person, nag at him to quit, that person may make a half-hearted effort to quit to please others. But to really succeed at quitting, the person has to come to the place where he, from his own volition, from his heart, has a vehement desire to quit.

If someone could care less whether he is really obeying Yahuah, and prefers  to continue with his own ways, that would show that there is not much vehement desire to walk in the ways of Yahuah.

The thing that takes up most of our attention, like some kind of goal that we have set for ourselves, something that we vehemently long for is what we will be focused on; whether it is money, beauty, career, importance, obtaining material possessions, approval of friends or family, etc., etc. 

Yahuah has put the capacity in us to long and yearn for things and/or accomplishments, but He wants us to long for things that are right and good like seeking after HIS righteousness and truth as our most important goal. The beatitude of hungering and thirsting after righteousness in Matthew 5 is a clear example of having this vehement desire to be filled with the Word of Yahuah and His righteousness.

One who is is truly repentant will have a deep burning desire to follow after righteousness; he will apply himself to change, he will sacrifice and do whatever it takes; this is why vehement desire is one of the fruits of repentance.

The Corinthians fulfilled their desire to be righteous in Yahuah’s eyes by changing their attitude and behavior toward the sin of tolerating this man’s sin who had been previously allowed to fellowship in their midst even though he was living with his father’s wife. If we vehemently desire to be righteous and pleasing to Yahuah, we will repent whenever we see the need to do so and this too shows  fruit of repentance.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that Yahuah is gracious.

Another fruit: “what zeal”.

Zeal: the Greek word is zeo or zelos (Strong’s #2204, 2205) and it means to be hot, boiling, of liquids: or glow, of solids i.e. be fervent (intense, earnest) fervency, jealousy, zeal.

The English definition:

1. enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal, and tireless diligence in its furtherance.

2. fervent or enthusiastic devotion, often extreme or fanatical in nature, as to a religious movement, political cause, ideal, or aspiration, prompt wiliness, 3. enthusiasm, passion, zest, fire, spirit, warmth, devotion, ardor, fervor, eagerness, gusto, militancy, fanaticism, ardor, earnestness,keenness, fervency.

3 A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

4 Great fervor to do something or accomplish some end

5 Feeling of great warmth and intensity

6 Prompt willingness

7 Cheerful compliance

Zeal is similar to some of the other fruits of repentance, but in fact is a very intense inner feeling of enthusiasm in pursuit of a thing, or to promote a thing, and it actually amplifies the other fruits.

Zeal signifies ardor, fervent enthusiasm, whole-hardheartedness, and a passion for accomplishing a task or giving of our lives and of our time to a worthwhile cause. The kind of zeal Paul is talking about in this verse is a zeal for Yahuah; about studying, learning His Word, applying it to our lives and then growing and overcoming. Yahuah wants us to have zeal toward Him, His whole Word and His cause; one of those causes is the work that He is doing here on earth helping men and women to be like Him.

Zeal is the incentive that spurs us to show a labor of love even if we think we are not feeling too well at certain times. Sometimes we do get tired and weary and we can feel like giving in to that tiredness and want to be lazy; but having a passion, or a zeal for the cause, for which we believe in; will carry us through those feelings.

It is like a mother who has a baby that wakes her up in the middle of the night wanting to be fed. The mother has worked all day and may not feel like waking up, getting up out of her warm cozy bed to go get the baby and feed him. But her concern and zeal of wanting the very best and well being of her child; keeping him from going hungry or feeling pain motivates her to do what is needed even when she feels tired. An athlete who is zealous for his sport and wants to help his team win at sporting competitions may not feel like getting up at 3:00 A.M. to practice before school, but his zeal for the cause of winning compels him to get up in time to practice even if he doesn’t really feel like practicing some mornings. Zeal motivates one to drive on and to push forward no matter what.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Revelation speaks of the lack of this zeal in the Ekklesia in the message to the Laodicea Church.

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Before the Corinthians repented, they lacked real zeal for Yahuah and His commandments, His righteousness and purity as evidenced by tolerating a man who was far from pure at that time. But as they repented, Paul says that they became full of zeal to do the right thing and he commends them for becoming passionate, full of zeal for Yahuah and for His righteousness. Previously they were like the Church at Laodicea as talked about in Revelation 3. When Paul became aware of their sin and that they were not addressing it in any way, Paul was used by Yahusha as a type of human messenger for Him , to knock on their door asking them to “let Yahusha in”; to let Him be their true focus and their Master and not to tolerate evil things in their lives or in their midst.

These people had been deceived into thinking that tolerating wickedness among them, was somehow a demonstration of godly love when it was the opposite.  Godly love condemns sin, is willing to correct and convict the sinner of his sin so that he genuinely sorrows over sin, and repents to commit that sin no more.

The Corinthians heard Yahusha knock through Paul’s rebuke and they let Him in; and as Paul commends them for it in his letter, this was a proof of and a fruit of their sincere repentance.

And the last fruit in Paul’s praise of the members of the Corinthian assembly was “revenge” or vindication  .

Revenge: The Greek word is ekdikeo (Strong’s #1556) and means to vindicate, retaliate, punish. Sometimes it is translated “vindication”.

“Vindication” is a rather difficult 1611 usage, but here Paul is using this word in the sense of correcting those who are sinning and are in need of being rebuked, in need of being told about their sins; and when they refuse to repent, inflicting the kind of correction that Yahuah lays out in His Word. That vindication can mean distancing ourselves from the sinner and his sin, or as a group disfellowshiping him, or if the group as an organization is sinning, one must remove themselves from the group.

This is done in the sense of “maintaining godly righteousness,”  or “setting things right,” when applied in a godly sense and is not about hatred against anyone (and not about worldly revenge) but done to bring the willful sinner to repentance, which is what the Corinthians did.

As a result of their conviction and repentance, they set things right regarding the man who was sinning. They put the person out of their fellowship and thus corrected him, which then resulted in his sincere repentance. They, in essence, were used as Yahuah’s instruments of His righteous revenge (correction) by correcting their brother through putting him out of the Ekklesia so that he would be motivated to sincerely repent.

1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Saviour Yahusha.

As a result of this type of revenge, the man repented and was later welcomed back into their fellowship. If he hadn’t been corrected in this way by his brethren, he may have never repented, so in this way they actually saved his eternal life. 

As followers of Yahusha who seek to examine our lives to see what needs to be adjusted, tweaked, fixed, cleaned up, changed, i.e. REPENTED of, we, too, can apply a sense of vindication toward ourselves as well, causing us to own up to the sins we see still lurking in our souls (see Psalm 19:11-14) and then to endure whatever we may have to do to “set things right” in our hearts, in our habits and in our behavior no matter how much it costs us or no matter what we have to sacrifice (maybe a job, an unhealthy relationship, bad habits, or being negligent in our duties as believers, etc.) and by doing so we show forth that proof or  fruit of repentance.

Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of Yahuah, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 12:6 For whom Yahuah loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 12:7 If ye endure chastening, Yahuah dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I have received of Yahuah that which also I delivered unto you, that the Yahusha the Messiah the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew Yahusha’s death till he come. 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of Yahusha, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of Yahusha. 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning Yahusha’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

If we judge or if we determine that we are sinning and we go about to set it right; then Yahuah doesn’t need to judge us and chasten us in respect to that sin. I find this very sobering yet comforting as this verse greatly motivates me to judge myself before He has to. (Especially, when I know from past experience what it is like to be judged and chastened by Yahuah if I’m not doing it myself.)

1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged [by Yahuah] . 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of Yahuah, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Sincere repentance opens the way for us to truly become more and more like Yahuah our Father and His Son, shaped in their image, our minds trained to think like they think, desiring to live as they live, and to become perfect (complete) as our Father in heaven is perfect.

If we sincerely repent and turn to live by every Word of Yahuah, we will be a part of the First Resurrection receiving eternal life with Yahuah the Father and Yahusha His Son; we will be part of the “manifestation of the sons of Yahuah” working with them to restore the whole earth to a glorious, holy and righteous environment for all of mankind (and all of Yahuah’s creatures as well (See Romans 8:18-23).

Just as the Pharisees and Sadducee’s who came out to hear John the Baptist preach, we too can think that just because we are “descendants of Abraham” (part of a religion) so to speak, we like them, can claim that because we are baptized church members, are part of a particular group, or because of good works that we are in good standing with Yahuah.

But these things are only outward visual effects and are not really the proofs of repentance.

In saying that they were the children of Abraham, the Pharisees and Sadducee’s thought of themselves as being already righteous, they could really see no need to repent of their own sins because they thought of themselves as being OK because of their supposed association with great men (like Abraham and Moses). They could do all the outward rituals they wanted, however, those rituals mean nothing if they are not coupled with a heart that is broken over sin and is trusting Yahuah for mercy and forgiveness (Isaiah 1; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6; Acts 3:19).

We can make a decision to repent or not, it’s a choice we make; we either decide to repent of breaking Yahuah’s laws or we decide to continue to live in rebellion against our Creator. In Deuteronomy, Moses admonished the people of Yahuah to make the right decision: to chose life that they might live! It’s really a life and death decision folks, and in the case of repentance it involves not just life and death during our life time, but for all eternity.

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

What John the Baptist said to the Pharasee’s was that they needed to examine their hearts and their behavior to determine if the fruits of repentance were evident, and if they were, then they could truly be called Abraham’s sons; just as we can be called the spiritual sons of Abraham if we truly are bringing forth fruits meet for repentance. It takes a lot of diligent soul searching and hard work, but this is what we must be doing if we are really serious about our walk with Yahuah and His Son Yahusha.

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Redeemer and Saviour Yahusha the Messiah.

Just think, if everyone in the world repented of breaking the commandments of Yahuah their Creator how wonderful a world it would be? Children would be obedient and respectful to their parents and parents would be honorable and loving toward their children; there would be no more stealing, no more murder which would illuminate all wars, violent crime, abortion. There would be no more illicit sex, only wholesome happy families; children would be kept safe and protected from sex predators. Everyone would tell the truth and deceptive practices would no longer be allowed. There would be no more coveting, so that means there would be no more greed and financial corruption replaced by  worldwide financial stability and responsibility. Everyone would have enough because everyone would be helping one another instead of trying to take advantage to get gain and advantage or power.  

Truth is, not very many people in the world are repenting at this time, that is why the world is in such a mess….But some day that will change and the whole world WILL repent under the leadership and rule of HaMashiach, and only then will there be worldwide PEACE with abundance for all. That day is coming soon but you can repent now, today; you still have time if you are alive and reading this. If you do and start living for Yahuah, you will be one of the forerunners that will pave the way for a future world that is coming. What an awesome privilege it is to be able to seek Yahuah while He can be found, REPENT, and start a whole new life with Him as your King and HaMashiach!

Joel 2:12  Therefore also now, saith Yahuah, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Yahuah your Elohim: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

The days are evil and our time is short, so repent now before it is to late to repent.

Belleange