Repentance and Salvation

Chuckle: Only a Southerner knows exactly how long "directly" is -- as in: "I'm going to town, be back directly."

Good Quote: “To do so no more is the truest repentance.” --Martin Luther

"For God can use (Godly) sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But (worldly) sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death" (2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT).

Many of us find it extremely difficult to say, "I'm wrong," or "I'm sorry." Some of us may even feel so self-righteous as to believe we have never done anything for which we need to be sorry. Our selfish pride often hinders us from showing genuine sorrow for our sinful actions. We often hear statements about criminals like, "He or she shows no remorse." Being sorrowful and remorseful (repentant) for our sins is essential before we can experience the joy of salvation and abundant life every day.

Repentance means: "to change one's mind; to feel regret and remorse; to be sorry; to make a 180 degree turn - to go in a new direction." Repentance is an inward turning from sin to God. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. . . ." (Acts 3:19 NIV). ". . . He (God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).

In our passage, Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow are contrasted. Sorrow may be good and godly when it causes changed actions, attitudes, or renewed relationships. Repentance and salvation are the results of godly sorrow for our sins. Godly sorrow and grief are the result of God's grace working in our hearts.

We can experience worldly sorrow from being caught in some ungodly act or by the consequences thereof. We're not sorry we did it, but sorry we were caught. A thief might experience worldly sorrow because he landed in jail. But his sorrow can only become godly sorrow when he realizes he has sinned against God and seeks His forgives. Then the Holy Spirit gives him the ability to repent and receive God's forgiveness. Once we have repented and asked God for forgiveness, the Holy Spirit begins forming us into a new creation – a new person. Once we have received Jesus Christ, our new life will show itself in an attitude of repentance and holiness.

So, repentance is essential for salvation. But also, daily repentance should become a characteristic of every Christian's life. In I John 1:9 NIV, we find these words: "If we (Christians) confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness. From this verse, we know that God, in all his wisdom and mercy, has given us Christians a way to have our lives purified daily by confessing and repenting of our sins, and asking Him to forgive and cleanse us.

This is God's way of making us suitable vessels for His use. God cannot use a vessel that has not been cleansed by His forgiveness. Unconfessed sin in our lives not only makes us miserable, but renders us useless to God in His kingdom's work.

Love, Jerry & Dotse