April 25, 2022

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37

Peter’s address to the crowd on the day of Pentecost quieted the mockers and succinctly brought the listeners to a point of realization: the recognition of their part in causing Jesus to be crucified. The cry of “what shall we do?” was a sincere question welcomed by the Holy Spirit who provided the answer.

The very first word of Peter’s response was “Repent…” (v.38)

When have you been cut to the heart? The true nature of repentance is elusive to so many! Regret for the results of sin is distinctly different from deep sorrow for the sin itself. The individual who only laments the suffering rather than the cause of suffering, namely sin, is not yielded to the Spirit of God. There are examples given of this type of superficial, cursory acknowledgement. Esau regretted the loss of his birthright (Genesis 25:34, Hebrews 12:17). Pharaoh, when suffering under the judgements of God, made an acknowledgement of wrongdoing, but returned to defiance toward God as soon as the plagues were ended. Balaam’s acknowledgement of his sin was spoken only in fear for his own life (Numbers 22:34), but his return to deviousness (Revelation 2:14) showed his heart to be on the side of Satan. Even the remorse of Judas over his betrayal of innocent blood was not true repentance (Matthew 27:4).

All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

A heart that yields to the Holy Spirit’s influence is quickened in conscience as to the holiness, purity, and righteousness of God. When true conviction takes hold, recognition of the absolute right to judge belonging to the One who searches hearts and minds brings with it a sense of terror at the thought of His approach. He comes near to us in countless gentle ways that we might see His love. Such a quickening brings a longing to be cleansed and restored. The transformation will become evident as your attitude toward your sin turns to loathing—in direct proportion to a growing love for the Creator and Redeemer! Take hold of Him, beloved, and welcome the One who paid for all of your wrongdoings, and who intercedes for you this very minute.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27

Give unto the LORD the glory due His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

David’s heartfelt repentance reveals a heart of seeking after the LORD.

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:1,2,8,10