Repentance Leads to Life

"The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation."  - Martin Luther

One of the hardest things for us to do is to admit we are wrong. After all, who likes to admit that? The admission of guilt (regret and remorse) is what we is usually consider as "repentance" as it pertains to each other.

We generally tend to think that this is how "repentance" (to repent) works in our relationship with Jesus Christ, too. But does it really? First, we need to take a look at how "repentance" is used biblically.

One doesn't need to research too deeply in order to discover that the biblical meaning of repentance is, "to change one's mind." I have to point out that this applies to our sin. As you can see, there is already a big difference in meaning.

By changing one's mind about sin we aren't just talking about a slight, or casual transformation. No, in order for you or I to truly repent, or change our minds about sin we must make a full change of direction from sin toward God (Acts 8:22).

When you hear someone talking about "turning away from sin." this is what they mean. If you think about it, it makes really good sense. By turning only a quarter or half way from sin you can still see it by turning your head one way or the other.

However, when you have made a full, 180° turn around from sin, you are facing God and sin is now behind you. Sounds great, doesn't it? Believe it or not, this is something that is attainable by anyone who is really serious about it.

Have you ever done something, or were doing something and you had this feeling that it just wasn't right? It was that feeling about right and wrong; an immediate awareness that it wasn't. Your conscience was bothering you, and it left you with a knot in your stomach.

If so, you have taken a step toward repentance. The belief that whatever action you performed wasn't right or good means that God is at work, lovingly nudging you back on the right path. A reminder that he will help us. Now, are you sorrowful for what you did? (Psalm 38:18)

It is a sincere regret, and wanting to make things, i.e., sinful actions, right that may be construed as another step toward repentance. It doesn't do any good to just think about your actions and forget about it. You must earnestly feel sorrowful about them (1 John 1:9).

Additionally, our minds and attitudes are very crucial factors in our repentance of sin. Think of them as motivators. We have to want to change. God needs to see this desire in us, or it won't work. Without faith in God, our repentance will not be granted (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Repentance is an offer from God to us. It is there on the table, but he won't force it on anyone. We must want to repent in our hearts, minds, and by our unwavering faith in him. Take him up on it. He will take care of the rest.

Scripture: Romans 3:23; Luke 13:3; Proverbs 28:13; 2 Corinthians 7:9; Luke 15:10

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Amen  - Psalm 51:10-11 

God bless you,

Lauren