Repentance

Regarding the Christian belief of repentance, Jesus Christ said, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15: 7). It is clear that sinners are much loved in heaven and that even one sinner is of great value. As the Bible tells us, God “who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Jesus says that there is even “joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15: 10). This heavenly joy also extends on earth when a sinner repents. It brings joy to families, friends, colleagues and communities when a person recognizes their wrongdoing and decides to stop and do good instead. Indeed, all grace is a cause for joy.

Repentance is the absolute acknowledgement from the heart that I have sinned. Repentance is to judge and convict myself of breaking God’s law… it involves me rejecting my own bad deeds and despising my bad behavior. Repentance is the first step towards confession. Repentance leads to confession, admitting wrongdoing and results in forgiveness and healing.

Repentance needs a humble heart. A person who persists in his/her pride and dignity would not be able to repent. The person who always makes excuses to justify or defend his/her sinful deeds and words is not a repentant person. Pride prevents such a person from repenting and the result is that he or she can easily continue in sin. Such a person does not feel the weight of sin and it doesn’t internally disturb him/her and it is likely he/she lacks empathy. How could such a person repent while not convinced that he/she is wrong?

We need to see in first instance that the destructive nature of sin. We need to look at our resulting situation and acknowledge the bad state we’re in. And we must want to change our situation for the better. It’s like the prodigal son who after much wrongdoing realized how lost and destitute he had become. He repented and returned to his Father where he was welcomed back with open arms and found forgiveness.

The second step is stop sinning. This doesn’t just refer to one particular sin but to all sin. It means leaving all wrongdoing behind and keeping away from all the paths that lead to sin. At this point we start to discover more about ourselves. This is because the more one grows in the spirit, the more he/she discovers new faults that he/she never realized before – such as selfishness, hypocrisy, gossip etc. So this person works to leave eradicate such sins as well. Repentance continues throughout a person’s life. Repentance leads us through stages where we purify ourselves and become more like Jesus our God and Saviour. Let’s remember that the Bible tells us that we were created in God’s image.

In a life of repentance, leaving sin must be permanent – repentance must be resolute with no return to sin. Repentance is turning to God with all the heart. It involves hating sin and wrongdoing. There mustn’t be any longing for sin otherwise it may lead to a relapse. The Lord says, “My son, give me your heart.” (Proverbs 23:26). Thus repentance must be from the heart and the heart becomes entirely for God.

Therefore a repentant person cannot sin again, because all his/her feelings and desires become opposed to sin and would not accept it. Not only that, he/she would not need to strive to keep away from sin because he/she automatically stays away from it because he /she hates it.

Real repentance must have fruits. As the Bible says, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” (Matthew 3:8). The first of these fruits is love for God which possesses the heart, changes one’s life and brings forth the fruits of righteousness.

Repentance also includes trying our best to remedy the consequences resulting from our sins, including any injustice that has occurred to others. We should restore at least the same amount of what we have taken. To restore more, especially in the case of sins such as injustice or aggression, shows a repentant heart that is truly remorseful and is moved by love towards those that have been wronged. Repentance without restoration is insufficient. Again, repentance must be a turning point in our lives where we turn to God and grow.