“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10
Repentance can be defined as turning from sin to God through faith in Jesus Christ. But true repentance is more than just a change of direction. It also involves sincere sorrow toward God as the One our sin has offended (Psalm 51:4). Biblical repentance is a change in direction flowing from a change of heart.
As a new Christian, I found it difficult to confess the crimes for which I’d never been caught. I studied God’s Word and became convinced that I should turn myself in for a series of robberies I’d committed before being arrested. But I struggled mightily about it. On the one hand, I knew what real repentance required. And on the other, I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in prison.
One day as I knelt beside my bunk in prayer, I realized I’d rather die in prison with Christ than live in the “free world” without Him. Peace flooded my soul. I wrote letters to the authorities confessing my crimes—only to learn that by law I could no longer be prosecuted for them! I encourage you to choose Jesus and trust Him with your life.
As a new Christian, I found it difficult to confess the crimes for which I’d never been caught. I studied God’s Word and became convinced that I should turn myself in for a series of robberies I’d committed before being arrested. But I struggled mightily about it. On the one hand, I knew what real repentance required. And on the other, I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in prison.
One day as I knelt beside my bunk in prayer, I realized I’d rather die in prison with Christ than live in the “free world” without Him. Peace flooded my soul. I wrote letters to the authorities confessing my crimes—only to learn that by law I could no longer be prosecuted for them! I encourage you to choose Jesus and trust Him with your life.
Scripture Focus
Luke 19:1-10
Insight
There’s a difference between feeling sorry for sin and sorrowing before the Lord unto repentance.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 9-10
- Psalm 50
- Luke 14
