When was the last time YOU repented? I don’t mean that ‘Oops, I’m sorry” kind of repentance that one does somewhere between grabbing the keys to the car and pulling out of the driveway on the way to work, but rather that last time you actually STOPPED to consciously consider your ways. When was the last time you reviewed your life with microscopic honesty and then turned to God to repent fully, openly, honestly, and filled with godly sorrow? The Bible says that repentance is crucial to our spiritual health, is a requirement for our continued state of salvation and gains us access to the Father’s blessings. Is it possible we have forgotten to repent because we have forgotten what it really is? Here is a quick reminder of three key ingredients of true repentance.
Firstly, true repentance is based on face to face confrontation with holy truth; a generous application of God’s Scriptures to the heart of our thoughts or actions. The Word of God is the basis for all right thinking and right action; and since repentance is ultimately a return to the right way from the wrong way, true repentance must be a reaction to absolute truth. Admission of THE TRUTH makes the repentance binding. Without God’s truth affecting us, repentance is at best personal idealism. It is a ‘I hope that I am doing better’ choice. Repentance is permanent when we acknowledge God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
Secondly, true repentance must come with honest admission that it was not a ‘deed’ that was incorrectly done, but rather a PERSON who was incorrectly wronged. When we sin, it is an action against ourselves, against our fellow man, or against the Creator who made us. It is personal. Repentance, therefore, is not merely admission of ‘doing’ wrong but an admission of ‘being’ wrong. Once we admit to BEING wrong, then we have need of a Savior, a God, and a Redeemer who can enter our lives and MAKE US right.
Lastly, true repentance is from the heart; from the very seat of our will, emotions, and desires. We WANT to do right, and feel right, but mostly we want to do what LOVE demands. Actions based on God’s standard of love will never be sin. We sinned because we didn’t feel enough love. Therefore, we must repent because we need to repair the wounds inflicted by our loveless acts and thoughts. Repenting frees the soul from the shackles of sin. Repenting makes us whole. Won’t you consider repenting today?
Original Copyright: © Anthony J. Massotti Th.M., Th.M. 1/17/1999