True Repentance

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:3).

Repentance is one of the founding stones of Christianity. It is spoken of at least sixty times in the New Testament. When the Lord sent them forth, the disciples proclaimed that the people should repent. In fact,  the instructions Jesus gave them just before he ascended into heaven said they were to go into all the nations and preach repentance in His name.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out... (Acts 3:19a)

True repentance begins with recognizing sin. "The eyes of the repentant person are opened. He sees the length and breadth of God's holy law with distress and confusion. He sees the extent, the enormous extent, of his own transgressions. To his surprise, he discovers that he has been under a huge delusion by thinking of himself as a good person with a good heart. He learns that in reality, he is wicked, guilty, corrupt, and evil in God's sight. His pride breaks down. His high thoughts melt away. He sees that he is a great sinner. This is the first step in true repentance."

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).

True repentance produces a deep sorrow over sin. "The heart of a repentant person is touched with deep remorse because of his past sin and transgressions. He is cut to the heart to think that he has lived so foolishly and wickedly." This leads to a breaking away from known sin. "The life of a repentant person is changed."

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).

"True repentance, such as that which I have just described, is never alone in the heart of anyone. It always has a companion -- a blessed companion. It is always accompanied by active faith...." Run to God for repentance without delay. "Without repentance, there is no real happiness...."

Taken from Repentance by J. C. Ryle

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