Repentance

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"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."  (Matthew 3:2 NIV)

The opening message of John the Baptist, who served as a herald for Jesus, was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This call to repentance was an urgent appeal to sinners. No one who refuses to repent can ever enter the kingdom of God. Repentance is a prerequisite, a necessary condition for salvation. In Scripture, repentance means "to undergo a change of one's mind." This change of mind is not a mere switching of minor opinions, but of the entire direction of one's life. It involves a radical turning fromsin and to Christ.  Repentance is not the cause of new birth or regeneration; it is the result or fruit of regeneration. Though repentance begins with regeneration, it is an attitude and action that must be repeated throughout the Christian life. As we continue to sin, we are called upon to repent as we are convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit.  Theologians make a distinction between two kinds of repentance. 
=>  Attrition. Attrition is a false or spurious kind of repentance. It involves remorse caused by a fear of punishment or a loss of blessing. Attrition, then, is repentance motivated by fear.
=>  Contrition, on the other hand, is true and godly repentance. It is genuine. It includes a deep remorse for having offended God. The contrite person openly and fully confesses his sin with no attempt to excuse it or justify it. This acknowledgment of sin is coupled with a willingness to make restitution whenever possible and a resolve to turn away from sin. This is the spirit of repentance that David exhibited in (Psalm 51:10,17).  Repentance is a necessary condition for salvation, the fruit of regeneration. True repentance includes full confession, restitution, and resolve to turn from sin, and motivated by godly.  When repentance is offered to God in a spirit of true contrition, He promises to forgive us and to restore us to fellowship with Him. Hallelujah, Amen ... God bless. 


"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 NIV

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