Word of Encouragement (10/16/2020)
Today, let’s talk about God’s promise to grant us repentance. Peter said, “God exalted [Jesus] at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31). After hearing Peter’s report regarding the conversion of Cornelius’ household, those at the Jerusalem church said, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18).
God, who promised faith, also promised repentance. The two are inseparably related but also distinct from each other. Repentance includes the following:
1. Confession of sin. In order to repent (which is to turn away from our sin), we must first acknowledge our guilt before God—that is, to agree with God that what we have done is indeed sin.
2. Mourning for sin. If sin is indeed a transgression of God’s holy law and lack of conformity to it, then we should be grieved that we have committed such evil against our Maker, Sustainer, and Redeemer.
3. Mortifying/killing/destroying of sin. If sin is so evil, we should not just feel bad about it; we should strive to mortify it as we want to get rid of, and free from, cancer.
4. Turning from sin unto God in obedience. This is what repentance is ultimately about. Anything falling short of this is not true repentance. This is what mortifying sin should lead to. This is what mortifies sin—replacing our sin with our obedience to God. The way to stop being a thief is not only to stop stealing but also to start working with one’s own hands so he can have something to share with others (Eph. 4:28).
Repentance is indispensable for the sanctification of sinners. How can sinners be holy without turning away from sin to obedience to God? If God promises our sanctification, then God must also promise our repentance and so God has. This promise is not just for some Christians; it is for all Christians, including you and me. Let us receive this promise by faith and by faith turn away from our sins to God in joyful obedience to His law. Have a blessed weekend!