Have I Truly Repented?

In his book I Surrender, Patrick Morley writes that the church's integrity problem is in the misconception "that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior." He goes on to say, "It is revival without reformation, without repentance."
-Quoted by C. Swindoll, John The Baptizer, Bible Study Guide, p. 16.

Sometimes our translations are not helpful enough. We read a word like “repentance” and wonder if we have a clear conception of the meaning. It is pretty safe to say that we don’t use the word "repentance" much in conversation, either. Why? Maybe it's because we are acutely aware that the modern meaning of a word may not convey the meaning of the original.

This is a word that is essential to understand. Paul associates it with salvation in our text. Luke 13:3, 5 makes us understand that the lack of repentance brings destruction. Repentance and repent are used in pivotal passages, such as Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38. Okay, but what if you don’t understand it? What if you think it is the feeling of sorrow? If this is what you think, you’d be wrong! What if you mistakenly think that it is good deeds? Again you’d be wrong!

What I hope to do today is to show you, using Bible examples, just what it is to repent. Perhaps then, when you examine yourselves and ask, “Have I truly repented?” you’ll know.

Let's take a look at our first example. We can call this "The Case of the Ninevites" (Matthew 12:41; Jonah 1:1-2; ch. 3). The Ninevites heard the preaching of Jonah and were challenged with the truth. They came to understand that the God of Heaven condemned their lives. They believed God, Jonah 3:5. We know that they were convinced that Jonah’s message was real. Maybe they learned about Jonah being in the fish. Or, perhaps Jonah had been confirmed a prophet many other ways.

Whatever we might think, one thing is for sure. Their lives changed. From pride to humility (sack cloth). From satisfaction to self-denial (fasting). From idolatry to true worship (Jonah 3:8). From evil to righteousness (Jonah 3:8). Even the temples closed their doors, the night-life shut down, no drinking, no carousing. Peace and calm enveloped the city.

As good as this all sounds, in none of the points outlined above can you find repentance proper! You can’t see repentance, only its effects. Our text (2 Cor. 7:9-10) tells us it’s not godly sorrow. Matthew 3:8 tells us it’s not fruits or works. Yet, Jesus told us that the Ninevites repented. Matthew 21:28-30 illustrates this word "repentance" nicely. It is the difference between “I will not” and “I will.” Repentance is a change of mind, of will.

The Ninevites, having heard Jonah and believing God, changed their minds and then changed their lives. One can say that at the point of changing their minds they "repented."

Moving along, let's call our second example, "The Case of the Prodigal Son" (Luke 15:10-24). We see in the context (Luke 15:10) that the subject is repentance. What tells us so? How about these following facts:

He remembered from whence he had fallen, (Luke 15:17).
He made a determination, (Luke 15:18). “I will arise…”
He brought it to action, (Luke 15:20; He began his journey; He confessed his fault.

So, where did the repentance come in? It certainly was...

Not when he came to himself.
Not when he started for home.
Not when he confessed to his father.

No, it wasn't any of the above! It was at the moment he determined to make a change, Luke 15:18 (“I will…”). You see, there is a point after godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10) and before fruits or good works (Matthew 3:8) where repentance is found.

We shall call our final example, "The Case of Your Repentance." Since the day of Pentecost God has proclaimed through the Gospel that all men everywhere MUST repent. We see this in: Peter’s pronouncement, Acts 2:38 and Paul’s pronouncement, Acts 17:30. Friends, you must ask yourselves if you’ve truly repented. This is of grave importance!

Did you just go through the motions of obeying the gospel? (peer pressure, emotionalism, to please parents, to get the girl). Or, was there a moment in time when you determined that you were going to do things God’s way? Even Christians sometimes need to repent when we find ourselves in sin. In fact, we are commanded to repent, Acts 8:22.

In conclusion, what is "repentance?" The main idea of today's message is to show that "repentance" is a change of mind and of will that follows godly sorrow; and that is shown by works of obedience.

I realize that you have just been given a lot of information to process. Read through it again, referring to the scripture and verses. Let it set in your mind for a bit, discuss it with others. Then ask yourself this question, "Having heard the call of the Gospel, have I repented?"

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Prayer: Almighty God, who does freely pardon all who repent and turn to Him, now fulfill in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; forgiving all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience; through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

May God be with you always,

Adina