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The Need To Repent Of Our Sins (1)
John R. Gentry
That repentance is necessary to our salvation cannot be denied when we consider all the New Testament says about it.
Seeing that repentance is so important in the gospel plan of salvation, it becomes necessary that we understand the meaning of repentance (for if not, how shall we know if we have truly repented), the importance of repenting and how repentance is brought about.
What Is Repentance?
Is repentance godly sorrow? In discussing the connection between godly sorrow and repentance in 2 Cor. 7.10, Paul says that true repentance is a result of godly sorrow, but godly sorrow is not repentance itself.
Some may say that repentance, if not godly sorrow, is a reformation of life. John the baptizer discusses the connection between repentance and reformation of life in Luke 3.7-14. He says that reformation of life or a change in conduct is the fruit of repentance; it is the result or an effect of repentance, but not repentance itself.
Repentance, then, must fall somewhere between godly sorrow and one’s abandonment of sin. But what is it?
Repentance is a change of will. Being moved by the godly sorrow that is wrought within us upon the recognition of our sins, we determine that our will is not sufficient in being pleasing to God and, therefore, surrender the complete control of our will to the will of God. We turn from doing our will to doing God’s will. “Not my will, but thine, be done!” A reformation of life, then, naturally follows.
One can sorrow and can even cease from sin, but unless his will is changed he has not truly repented. We must learn the difference between repentance that leads to salvation and repentance that does not lead to salvation.
Why Do We Need To Repent?
To help us appreciate the need to repent consider what the following passages say about the importance of repenting: Luke 13.3, 5 – to avoid perishing; Luke 15.7 – joy in heaven; Acts 2.38 – remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit; Acts 3.19 – sins will be blotted out; Acts 11.18 – leads to life; Acts 17.30-31 – God commands repentance because of Judgment; 2 Cor. 7.10 – leads to salvation; 2 Pet. 3.9 – God desires that all repent so as to avoid perishing.
Next week we will conclude this article by looking at how repentance is brought about. Have you truly repented of your sins and submitted your will to God?
originally published in the Banner-Gazette
2007.10.10