Weekend Spiritual Insight | True Repentance Is An Ongoing Process

"Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment."  - Sinclair Buchanan Ferguson, Scottish theologian (1948-Present)

There are many things in life that may be considered as "one-and-done" experiences. These are usually unique events that occur only once and never again. 

For example, our physical birth and death. Others are: first loves, first kisses, first jobs, first time holding a child, and first time experiencing a significant loss. All are special and unrepeatable.

While this is mostly the case in the secular world, in the life of a believer of Jesus Christ there are some things that are continuous and on-going. One of these is the Christian doctrine of "repentance."

The term "repentance" comes from the Greek word "metanoia" (μετάνοια), which means a change of mind or an impactful change of heart. In the Hebrew Bible, it is often conveyed by the word "shubah" (שׁוּבָה), meaning to return or turn back.

In short, it is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. Repentance is crucial for salvation and the Christian life, but, we are not saved by repentance alone! For believers this means that repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.

The reason it is a continuous process throughout our lives is because of sin. Therefore, we are obliged to admit our sin, turn away from it, and seek God's forgiveness as part of our life-long spiritual growth and sanctification.

So how does one demonstrate ongoing repentance? This can be done in various ways, including:

• The rejection of sin. This calls for the casting aside of sinful habits and supplanting them with virtuous and moral living, enabled by the Holy Spirit.
• Consistent self-scrutiny and acknowledgment of sin. Inspecting our hearts and confessing sins helps to maintain a clear conscience and our relationship with God.
• Appreciating God's grace. Repentance concerns actively receiving His forgiveness, mercy, and grace despite our flaws.
• Founding truth as the criterion. Conforming our lives with God's Word as the absolute truth is vital for profound change.
• Striving for righteous connections. Building relationships with other believers who uphold and encourage spiritual growth is indispensable for ongoing repentance.

It is critical to highlight that as part of being "born again" or experiencing spiritual rebirth, repentance is regarded as a pivotal first move. And, it is usually seen as an integral start to receiving the Holy Spirit and partaking in a new life in Christ.

In closing, repentance entails admitting to past morally objectionable thoughts, and that one is now set on turning their life around. It is also a crucial first step toward being cleansed of sin, and then being able to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 3:2; Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 3:19

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me turn away from my sinful ways and walk in your light instead. Grant me the strength to resist temptation and live a life that honors you. Amen" 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve