True repentance is more than saying “sorry”, feeling guilty about failure, or fearing the wrath to come. The kind of repentance that produces the fruit of righteousness requires that we understand our actions and attitudes have offended a holy God, that we experience a corresponding godly sorrow, and that we take action that leads to a 180 degree change in our sinful behavior. That’s the kind of repentance that “leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”

The Journey: Matthew 3:8

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Repentance is one of those double-edged swords in the Christian’s life. The fact that we need to repent reveals the unfortunate presence of ongoing sin in our lives, yet at the same time it reveals the fortunate grace of a righteous God who has made it possible for us to repent of what should rightly bring down his punishment upon us.

Repentance, however, is a highly misunderstood concept, especially in our day. I have a sense that many people feel sorry for their sins simply out of the guilt that doing wrong naturally produces or the pain of sin’s consequence or even the fear of impending punishment. But that kind of incomplete repentance runs the risk, as John Bunyan warned, “that makes the heart yet harder and harder.”

Now don’t get me wrong, guilt, pain and fear are good motivators—if they lead us to true repentance. But true repentance is more than saying “sorry”, feeling guilty about failure, or fearing the wrath to come. Authentic Biblical repentance, the kind that produces fruit, as John the Baptist preached, requires that we understand that our actions and attitudes have offended a holy God, that we experience a corresponding godly sorrow, and that we take action that leads to a 180 degree change in our sinful behavior.

I think Paul captured the essence of true repentance when he wrote,

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. (2 Corinthians 7:10-11)

Perhaps a good assignment for today’s reading would be to think about any recent “repentance” you have offered to God, and run it through the filter of Paul’s words. See if the confession of your sin can stand the test of true repentance.

If it does, congratulations—spiritual fruit will be the result. If it doesn’t, I think you know what to do.

A Simple Prayer To Be More Like Jesus: