11/14/2021
REPENT TO HIM OF SIN
John MacArthur’s definition of biblical repentance is my favorite:
“Genuine repentance pleads with the Lord to forgive and deliver from the burden of sin and the fear of judgment and hell. It is the attitude of the publican who, fearful of even looking toward heaven, smote his breast and cried, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (Luke 18:13). Repentance is not merely behavior reform. But because true repentance involves a change of heart and purpose, it inevitably results in a change of behavior.”
Repentance is not merely behavior reform! It is a change of heart, purpose and behavior. Repentance is not just something we do in a one-time salvation decision. Confession of sin is our demonstration of faith beyond salvation into the everyday relationship with God. If we say we are one with Jesus – which the title ‘Christian’ means – we can’t hold onto Him with one hand and our sins with the other (1 John 1:6-7). It’s all of Christ – or none of Him.
What if I genuinely repent of the sin, but when the temptation arises again, I fail?
Repentance (a change of mind and heart) literally means we make every effort to remove that sin from our lives. However, God gives grace for the growing process. Do you remember what he told Peter about forgiveness?
“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matt. 18:21-22)
If God commands us to forgive over and over and over again, how much more patient is He with us and our weaknesses? I hope this is giving you a slow glimpse of how loving and kind our God is! God’s kindness is meant to draw us to repentance.
“…do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
Repentance is the change of mind which leads to a change of behavior. We must align our lives with this decision in order to see the fruits in our lives. We are only as safe from sin as we are close to Christ!
