“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10
The Gift of Repentance
The above Scripture indicates there is a difference between true repentance that leads to salvation and worldly sorrow that produces death.
*Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary has this to say about repentance: “a turning away from sin, disobedience, or rebellion and a turn back to God. True repentance is a ‘godly sorrow’ for sin, an act of turning around and going in the opposite direction. This type of repentance leads to a fundamental change in a person’s relationship to God.”
I’ve never before thought about repentance being a gift of God until I read in Oswald Chambers’ devotional, **My Utmost for His Highest, wherein he states, “The bedrock of Christianity is repentance. Strictly speaking, a man cannot repent when he chooses; repentance is a gift of God.”
Romans 2:4 says it is “the goodness of God that leads you to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 states that God is, “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
We’re just moving out of the season of gift-giving, and although I am thankful for and appreciate every one of them, some gifts are not all that useful to me. But since every gift of God is perfect (James 1:17), I need to embrace and be thankful for each one, especially for His gift of repentance. This repentance (godly sorrow) resulted in the salvation of our souls.
Now this act of repentance is not just a one-time thing, but an ongoing lifestyle as we pursue a more intimate relationship with the Lord. Therefore we need not defend, be ashamed, or regret the Holy Spirit’s conviction when it comes, because as 1 John 1:8-10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.“
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Hallelujah!
In my flesh there is no good thing (Romans 7:18). Therefore I no longer want to defend it or rationalize and justify its thoughts and deeds.
Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness in leading us to repentance. Keep us steadfast, immovable, and quick to hear and repent when Your conviction of sin comes. Amen!
Amen, God is so good He leads us to change for our good and His glory.
Great reminder