Repentance: The Power of a Contrite Heart

by Terry Wane Benton

Few churches today preach repentance, and fewer people who attend churches are actually repenting. It is more like people are joining clubs (called “churches”) but not actually repenting toward God and repenting of sins. The Lord preached repentance and expects His church to preach repentance and actually repent in their heart and exemplify it in their lives.

1. Repentance Is Key to Salvation
   Matthew 4:17; Mark 6:12; Luke 13:3; 16:30-31; Acts 2:38-39; 3:18-20; 8:21-23; 17:30-31; 26:19-20
   1. Everyone must repent.
   2. Everyone can repent.
   3. But not everyone will repent.
2. Repentance Is Not:
   1. Fear of Judgment. This may aid in prompting repentance, but fear is not repentance.
   2. Conviction of Sin. The Holy Spirit would surely convict the world of sin, but that conviction is not itself the repentance. Jno.16:13; Acts 2:38. Conviction may lead to repentance, but conviction is not itself the repentance.
   3. Confession of Guilt. Many confess guilt without actually repenting of the sins.
   4. Regret. Many alcoholics regret ever taking that first drink, but have they decided before God that they will quit drinking?
   5. Godly Sorrow. This leads to repentance (II Corinthians 7:8-12). But godly sorrow is not itself the act of repentance.
   6. Reformation or change of life. This is the product of repentance. (Acts 26:20; Matthew 3:8-10; Luke 3:8-9).
3. Repentance Is:
   1. A change of will or mind. “To think again”.
   2. This change is preceded by godly sorrow and followed by a transformation of life.
4. In Repentance We See:
   1. Diligence Produced – II Corinthians 7:10-11. A turnaround that creates an intense desire to do what is right.
   2. Clearing of Yourselves. We do all we can to show that we know we messed up but are trying hard to make up for the mistake, and we show by action that we do not intend to continue making that same mistake.
   3. Indignation. We hate what we did and how it has hurt our Lord and His people.
   4. Fear. Repentance creates a fear of getting caught in that same trap again.
   5. Vehement Desire. Repentance creates a tremendous desire to correct all things amiss in our lives.
   6. Zeal. Repentance creates a hunger and thirst for righteousness.
   7. Vindication. Repentance will produce a change that vindicates us from our past behavior.
   8. Proving Oneself Clear. The behavior is adjusted, and it becomes clear that the repentance was genuine.
5. When Can We Repent?
   1. Now
   2. Only while you have power to “think again.” - Hebrews 9:27
   3. Tomorrow may be too late. - II Corinthians 6
6. When Should I Be Baptized?
   1. As soon as you repent. Acts 2:38
   2. Now is the accepted time. Are you ready now?

Conclusion

The gospel of Christ gives all the reasons and incentives for repentance. Those who do not repent of sin will surely perish. Members of the church at Corinth had apparently deceived themselves into thinking they could continue to practice certain sins. Paul rebuked that self-deception (I Corinthians 6:8-11). God will not be mocked. Whatever we sow in this life is what we will reap. If we sow to the flesh, we will reap corruption. If we sow to the Spirit, we will reap everlasting life.

Have you repented of your sins?