Have you repented?

First of all, Jesus taught that repentance and faith are both necessary to be saved. "Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15 ESV). "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (See Luke 13:1-5). He also commanded that this should be preached to all nations (not only Jews), "Thus it is written, that Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations,..." (Luke 24:46-47).

If you believe you are a Christian, but have not truly repented, then Scripture testifies that you are still lost (not saved, unforgiven). "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart [repent] from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19). "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24).

The Bible is clear that repentance is more than important, it is necessary. The question I am asking every reader of this post is, "Have you repented?" How do you know if you have?

Here are some test questions:
1) Do you have a deep desire to be finished with sin, because it is the plague and sorrow of your heart?
2) Do you have a passion to abstain from sinful lusts and desires, which war against the soul?
3) Do you have a desire to fight the good fight of faith, even to the death?
4) Do you have a deep desire to never turn back to self-will and self-pleasing ways, but to declare the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light?
5) Do you have a sincere passion to follow the Lord in a path of holiness all the days of your life?
6) Do you have a deep desire to please Him in all of your ways?
7) Do you desire to judge yourself before God every day and live at His feet with a broken heart and a contrite spirit?*

These questions represent only a few of the fruits of Biblical repentance. The important thing is to examine yourself in light of the Scriptures (2 Cor. 13:5), ask God to show you if you have come to Him on His terms, and seek to be found in Christ alone as your righteousness and all in all (Phil. 3:9). If you fail at this point (repentance), then you fail at every other point of salvation and it is good for you to be warned.

*(Questions adapted from Biblical Repentance by L. R. Shelton Jr., pg. 31, printed by Chapel Library)