Tremble, repent, believe

These words sound important for spiritual people.

But maybe a little scary, too.

The first two are rarely used in modern language.

We don't say, "Oh, I trembled when I saw that."

Nor do we say, "Yes, I realize now that I need to repent."

And maybe the third word, believe, isn't as emphasized in religious and spiritual realms, as DOING things is.

"I read the Bible every day. Don't bother me."

"I'm very committed to my religion and practice it daily."

"We go to church every week, usually twice. We're happy."

"I give tithes of all that I possess. I don't eat two days a week. I'm very spiritual."

"I go on visitation with my church. We're doing God's work, unlike most people."

"I pray seven times every day. I know this pleases the Lord."

Tremble, repent, believe.

What do these words mean from a biblical standpoint?

Tremble --

I have made everything; that's how it all came to be. I, the Lord, have spoken. The people I treasure most are the humble—

they depend only on Me and tremble when I speak. Isaiah 66:2

How could we define the word, tremble?

To have a reverence, a sense of how important the word of the Lord is, and honor it by obeying it with His help. Matthew 24:35; John 14:15; 1 Peter 1:22

Repent --

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom 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

How could we define the word, repent and its variation, repentance?

We're heading south and then we repent; so, we head north. It's a spiritual change that begins in our heart and then is shown in our lives.

It's a decision first by us and then it reveals itself over time, such as needing forgiveness 7 times a day Luke 17:3-4 as we walk on the path of newness of life. Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 1:9

"Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:46-47

Paul said that he was, "Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 20:21

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. Hebrews 6:1

Believe --

They said [Paul and Silas], "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Acts 16:31

How could we define the word, believe?

Trust in, cling to, and rely on Him in Whom you have believed. 2 Timothy 1:12

Jesus said, "God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life." John 3:16

Is there a place for these 3 words in our lives?

Tremble -- Can we have a reverence for the Lord's word as written in the Bible 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and any personal words spoken to us? Acts 9:10-12; 21:10-11; 1 Corinthians 14:3, 24-26, 29-31

Repent -- Can we be quick to change [repent] if we know that we need to turn from our current path and head toward Him? Acts 2:37-40; Galatians 2:11-14; 6:1-2; James 5:19-20

Believe -- Can we say, "Lord, I want You to find faith in me on this earth. Help me to believe You"? Mark 9:24; Luke 18:7-8

Your thoughts?

R. Jason