By Steve Murrell
[Paper copies of this booklet are available at church too]
Repentance - A New Direction
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
Driving a car in the wrong direction on a one-way street is foolish and dangerous. Some drive the wrong way out of ignorance; others out of rebellion. There is a spiritual parallel. Whether out of ignorance or rebellion, we are all on a dangerous one-way street that will ultimately lead to eternal separation from God. Until we turn around (repent) and begin following Christ, every step we take is a step in the wrong direction- a step away from God.
Repentance, Sorrow, and Fruit
Real repentance begins when we are truly sorry for our sins. This "godly sorrow" makes no excuses, takes full responsibility, and never places blame on people, society, or circumstances. It acknowledges that our sin is primarily against God.
"Godly sorrow produces true repentance and a changed life. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7: 10
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"— and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5
On the other hand, "worldly sorrow" only produces excuses. While godly sorrow is having a broken heart when we realize we have offended a holy God, worldly sorrow is being sorry we got caught, or being sorry we have to suffer the consequences of sin. The ultimate difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is the fruit. Worldly sorrow never produces the fruit of a changed life; it only produces spiritual death.
" ... I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20
"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Matthew 3:8
Repentance and Forgiveness
The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24 is a beautiful picture of true repentance. The wayward son came to his senses, turned his back on his folly, and returned to his father. He made a 180 degree turn around, walking away from his former life of sin and rebellion. His father forgave him for his offenses and received him back. In the same way, our Heavenly Father is faithful to forgive us when we turn to Him and repent of our sins.
"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
Ever had a stain on your shirt that you couldn't wash out? Imagine a stain remover that would not only remove the stain, but would make the shirt just like new again. That's what happens when we repent and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He not only cleans the sin's stain of guilt and shame from our hearts, He gives us a new heart.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
No Regret
Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God. It means we stop trusting in our own good deeds and religious activity and start trusting in Christ alone. We were going in the wrong direction; now we are going in the right direction. We were running from God; now we are walking with Him. Repentance is the starting point of a new life. Repentance takes us off the treadmill of a self-centred life and puts us on the fast track of God's glorious purpose for our lives. Turning to God means no looking back and no regrets.
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret ... " 2Corinthians 7:10
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• Is your life going in a new direction?
• Are there sinful areas in your life that are still a struggle?
• Are there areas of intense temptation or consistent weakness that you need prayer for?
• Are there sins that you have turned away from, yet you still feel condemned about?
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