Psalm 51:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
Introduction
Repentance is one of the major themes of the Bible (Old Testament to New Testament) and a definite requirement for reconciliation to our Maker.
But the question is, Have YOU truly repented?
I have observed that one of the hardest words for people to embrace nowadays is 'repentance.' We live in a world where admitting wrongdoing feels like weakness, where “saying I am sorry” seems costly, and where pride often wins over humility. Yet repentance is the very heart of the gospel.
It is said that “Repentance is not just the doorway into the Christian faith; it is the hallway we must keep walking every day.”
Both the Hebrew and Greek words (shuv) and (μετανοέω - metanoeō) literary mean "turning back, to return;" to change one's way of life as a result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness.
Repentance is looking at something that you did in the past or engaged in and recognizing its sinful nature, that it broke God’s Word, and concluding that you need to turn from it and walk in what is right before God.
According to John Stott, “Repentance is a change of mind that issues in a change of life.” Repentance involves both the heart condition and the mindset of the individual's willingness.
A man who was once addicted to alcohol said to me, "Papa, I was not free until I admitted that my way was killing me and turned towards God's way."
God Calls us into Repentance
"Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall." Ezekiel 18:30
"Come, let us return to the LORD..." Hosea 6:1
Since "the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot." (Romans 8:7) God leads us to understand the need for repentance in "the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience" (Romans 2:4). This is the starting point of a commitment to a new way of living and to the transformation of the human heart and mind from carnal to spiritual. (Acts 3:19; Romans 12:2).
Repentance is indeed the merciful hallway into the presence of the divine for God's forgiveness and salvation.
Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15 says: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” Paul did not save himself. Repentance was possible only because Christ first reached out to him.
The Bible makes it clear that repentance is significantly a personal, life-changing decision that leads to baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-39).
Let us continue with the discussion on what is NOT repentance. Sometimes we mistake certain acts to mean complete repentance. Let us consider three (3) points
1. Repentance is not an Emotional Breakdown.
Emotion is a strong feeling deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationship with others. It is mostly distinguished from reasoning, for a moment, due to some outcome [maybe you're caught in a wrong act], you begin to feel sorry, cry, etc. This is not a complete transformation of the mind or a turn around. (Matthew 14:9-10).
2. Repentance is not Penance/Self-Condemnation.
Penance is a form of punishment inflicted on oneself as an outward expression of wrongdoing. It does not necessarily involve a change of mind or a transformed life. Self-condemnation only opens wounds of guilt and creates despair. This is where one hates oneself for a wrong done. For instance, one can starve her/himself for days because of wrongdoing. A Buddhist can crawl on his knees over stones or broken bottles and sit in the sun due to a wrong done to outwardly show. This is not repentance.
3. Repentance is not remorse.
Remorse is deep regret for wrongdoing. It is sometimes drawn on the mere appearance of the person. In fact, Judas was remorseful for betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5). Remorse is involved in the stages of repentance - that is, it is a means to an end [repentance] but not an end in itself. This is also not repentance.
Precious one, have you really repented? Or you have only experienced a 'placebo repentance' to presume your salvation in Christ Jesus. Jesus is calling you to true repentance.
Steps to True Repentance
Let us consider the characteristic features of repentance;
- i. Understanding of the seriousness of sin. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3)
- ii. A deep desire for forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-3; Hebrews 9:14)
- iii. A determined commitment to change behaviour and thoughts to step out and stop sinning. (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:19-20).
The Apostle Paul emphasized that “godly sorrow brings repentance," which results in "salvation and leaves no regret." He contrasts with the "worldly sorrow” which "brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Further reading into verse 11, he highlights what this godly sorrow produces in the repented soul.
Jesus calls us to repentance in Mark 1:15, “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” This is what leads to a total change in direction—turning from the natural pursuit of sinful human values to obedience and dependence on God. Jesus used events like the lost and found sheep of His time to show God's hearty desire to save the lost (Luke 15:4-7). With the lost coin scenario, Jesus, the Christ, explains the unceasing search (Luke 15:8) of sinners to repentance and the joy that fills heaven when they are found (Luke 15:9-10).
Repentance is an Ongoing Lifestyle, Not a One-Time Event.
We often assume repentance is only for the “big sins” or for “non-Christians.” But repentance is a daily Christian discipline. It is not a one-stop event.
Martin Luther began his 95 theses that gave birth to Protestantism with: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”
Every day, as Christians, we must realign our hearts with Christ. Like sheep, we wander; like coins, we slip into dark corners; like Israel, we are quick to forget. Repentance keeps us on the right path, always returning to the Father.
Repentance is both difficult and beautiful. It humbles us, but it frees us. It is demanded of us, but it is only enabled by God’s mercy.
Conclusion
Apostle Paul sums up our message of repentance by recounting his life before he met Christ, "though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent", but the mercy and the grace of our Lord overflowed for him, which he humbly accepted into repentance. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15
Beloved, no matter how bad you may see yourself in sin, God's mercy is available to you. Who knows, maybe God is counting on your repentance so that in you (sinner) "Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16
Let us not see repentance as punishment, but as God’s invitation to life. Amen!
Shalom aleichem...
