REPENTANCE 

In our previous study we began looking at God's "plan of salvation." There are certain things a man must do if he is to obey God and thus attain the salvation of his soul. In that lesson we looked at the need for faith. We now consider the second step, and that has to do with repentance.

 

Many misunderstand the true nature of repentance, thinking that it is merely "being sorry" for past sins. But we suggest there are several elements involved in repentance. When we learn what these are and how to apply them to the life, it may be said we have "repented." Let us look at these elements.

CONVICTION: By this we mean one must be convicted of his sin, or convinced that sin has been committed. We see an example of such conviction on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37). Here we are told the people were "cut to the heart." And so the first aspect of repentance is the conviction that one is a sinner; his heart is pricked.

CONTRITION: Here is sorrow for having sinned. Paul tells us that "godly sorrow" is that which produces repentance (2 Cor. 7:10). Contrition relates the sin and the sorrow. One may be merely sorry after a worldly sort, and that is probably nothing more than shame of being discovered in wrong doing. A reading of Psalms 51 will illustrate what real contrition for sin is as we see the attitude of David.

CONFESSION: This is merely an admission of guilt. Unless one can say: "I have sinned," he cannot truly repent (cf. Lk. 15:18). John says that repentance precedes forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9). What keeps men from such confession? Usually it is this thing called "pride!" Put it aside; admit sin to self, to others and to God and you are on the road to repentance.

RENUNCIATION: Read what Isaiah (55:7) says about this! God will have mercy on the one who renounces (disowns) sin in his life. Paul posed the question, "shall we continue in sin ...?" (Rom. 6:1-2). God forbid - turn away from it.

RESTITUTION: Such may not always be possible. One cannot restore the life of one he has killed, for example. But where restitution can be made, it must be made. Zacchaeus serves us as an example here (Lk. 19:8). True repentance will make restitution whever possible.

REFORMATION: By this we mean the life must be "straightened out." This aspect of repentance is shown by the fruit one bears in his life. To keep on in the same old way of life shows no reformation. Note the Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:1). They reformed their lives!

TRANSFORMATION: Here is a metamorphosis; a "new creature" if you will (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 12:2). Such is done by a renewing of the mind, says Paul. One who has truly repented no longer has a worldly mind, but possesses the "mind of Christ" (Phil. 2:5).

Have you taken this second step in God's plan of salvation? We urge you to do so if you haven't; God demands repentance (Acts 17:30-31). He does not want any to perish, but for all to "come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). Why not let the "goodness of God" lead you to repentance? - Bill Moseley