August 10, 2022
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:19-21
How is it possible for a man to be just before God? The true nature of repentance is too often misunderstood. Sorrow for sin is felt when the sinner recognizes the probability of consequences to come. The thought that he may have brought suffering upon himself is the thing that is lamented. To be clear: it is the suffering that is lamented, and not the sin. Such thinking is squarely centered upon selfishness. This scenario does not seek the power to accomplish a conversion of purpose.
Genuine repentance for sin involves heartfelt sorrow for one’s own actions (or inactions), accompanied by a determined desire to turn away from the type of thinking that causes such action (or inaction). This turning away is the equivalent of “cutting off” the hand or foot that “causes you to sin” (Matthew 18:8). An attitude of real repentance means an alertness and deep desire to exclude any thought or action that hurts God. Sin separates us from Him, and grieves Him. Grief is a “love word” expressing that a separation has occurred (see Ephesians 4:30).
To misunderstand repentance is linked to a deceptive misrepresentation of grace (2 Timothy 3:5). There is a popular manner of preaching today that presents grace as a character trait of God that willfully overlooks sin. But real grace is His power that works transformation in our character that we may gain victory over sin. What an indescribably wonderful gift is the gift of His grace!
Our Lord’s tender care for us includes compassionate pity for the heaviness of sin’s burden: guilt! We are powerless to get relief from guilt, or to enact a change in our sinful nature. But beloved, He is so very anxious to forgive—this is His mercy!—followed by a lavishing of grace to empower us as we exercise our faith in Him—and His power to cleanse and change us. Under His guiding hand, we move step-by-step in a new direction.
Paul understood very well that repentance itself is a gift from God (see 2 Timothy 2:25). King David’s love for God was fueled by thankfulness for His power to lift up one who is truly sorry for sin. David effectively penned words to create a tapestry, interweaving the attributes of God with man’s greatest need.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 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. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Psalm 32:1-2, 51:1-2,10-13