Laying the foundation of repentance from dead works includes, first of all, the initial repentance which turns us from darkness to light. We see ourselves as sinners in God’s sight and acknowledge this. We turn from our life of sin to God. But repentance does not end there; this is only the beginning. Initial repentance is like a door into a whole new world of repentance. As we come to know God’s love and holiness more and more, we see ourselves in increasing need of change.

Acknowledgment of our need for change, and sorrow for being unlike God in character is a continuing in repentance. The Lord Jesus continues to examine us for evidence of repentance as He walks among His people today. We notice, for example, in the book of Revelation, Jesus is walking in the midst of seven local churches. To five out of the seven, He warns them that He must see repentance on their part, or they will experience severe loss. The difference between initial repentance and continuing repentance is this: initially, we repent for what we are- sinners; after this we repent for what we do or fail to do specific sins. 

Ephesus 

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Rev. 2:5). 

Pergamos 

“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Rev. 2:16) 

Thyatira 

“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Be- hold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds” (Rev. 2:21, 22). 

Sardis 

“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shall not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee” (Rev. 3:3). 

Laodicea 

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent “(Rev. 3:19).