Articles
Roots of Repentance
Repentance doesn’t come easily. Why is that? Sin is pleasurable. Changing our ways is challenging. Old habits die hard. Admitting we’ve been wrong is a blow to our pride. And often others try to hinder us from turning back to God.
Since repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of life, what can help motivate us to make the needed 180° turnaround?
●Fear of punishment. Hearing that God was about to destroy their city, the Ninevites genuinely repented (Jonah 3:4-10). Shouldn’t knowing that Judgment Day is coming be sufficient motivation for us (Acts 17:30-31)?
●God’s goodness. “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4). God has been so good to us—how can we refuse Him?
●Taking inventory. “The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways…” (Prov. 14:14 NASB). “I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies” (Ps. 119:59 NASB; see Lam. 3:40). When the Prodigal “came to himself,” he knew he’d had enough of the far country (Luke 15:17; see 1 Kings 8:46-48). So he headed home.
●Remembering. In rebuking the Ephesians for leaving their first love, Jesus pled with them, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first…” (Rev. 2:5; see Heb. 10:32-39).
●Godly sorrow. When Peter realized he had denied his Lord, just as Jesus had predicted, “he went out, and wept bitterly” (Matt. 26:75). This is the kind of sorrow that results in repentance (2 Cor. 7:10; see Acts 2:36-41).
●God’s promises to the penitent. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19-20a; see Acts 2:38; Isaiah 55:7).
And so in view of all of the above, is it to our advantage to repent—or just to stay the way we are?
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
