“Repentance”
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 3:19
We may well hope that serious, deliberate, and prayerful consideration will issue in a change of mind, and a new course of life. Our present subject is Repentance, a subject to which the scripture frequently call our attention and which is essentially connected with salvation. All pious persons have experienced in their own souls true repentance. All who intend to become followers of Jesus Christ and all who do not repent in this life will be victims of a despairing and unavailing repentance forever. Let us then see in what does repentance consists, its evidences, and its necessity.
What does repentance consist of?
It Includes:
A Knowledge of Sin. We have scriptural views of sin, in its hatefulness before God, its offensiveness to the divine law of God, its great evil, its polluting influences, and ruining power. Many don’t seem to recognize anything as sin except obstructive and vile crimes against the property and life of their fellow creatures. Others mock as sin or think lightly of it. But, with the repenting sinner, sin is viewed as evil, abominable, and deserving of God’s divine wrath.
A Conviction of Sin. This evil affects us; we are guilty, deeply guilty, guilty in an aggravated degree, guilty beyond enumeration, guilty both of omitting the commands and of violating the prohibitions of God’s Law; guilty as in respect of God as Lawgiver, Sovereign, Redeemer, and Provider. Now this conviction must be deep, startling, and remorseful.
A Sorrow for Sin. Not for its consequences only, but for “Sin” as an evil thing. “Against Thee and Thee only have I sinned …” Sinned against God’s mercy, forbearance, loving kindness, and tender mercies. Now, this sorrow includes what is meant by a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Mourning for the evils of our hearts and merely impulses, but abiding and from a principle of extreme vileness of all iniquity.
A Self-Disgust and Rejection of Sin. He reflects on his folly, infatuation, and hypocrisy; he now sees things through the right medium and then exclaims, “I hate myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” “Not worthy to be called thy son.” Thus the publican stood afar off.
Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
2nd Chronicles 34:27
Confession and Turning Away from Sin. “I acknowledge my transgression; we have sinned.”
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Daniel 9:3
Now this confession must be free and full. It must issue in forsaking sin and seeking the Lord God with all our hearts and souls.
Observe Its Evidences
If we have repented truly, there will be a new state of mind. God, holiness, sin, ourselves will all be differently viewed.
A Spiritual Conversation. No man ever repented, who did not speak of it, and showed it by the fruit of his lips. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”
Obedience to the Truth. God’s word and law is now paramount. “Lord, what shall I do…How can I serve thee…How can I glorify thee?”
Union to Christ and Spiritual Life through Jesus Christ. True repentance is unto life. Live a life of faith in the Son of God. Now these evidences will be permanent and abiding.
The Necessity for Such a Repentance
It is necessary to a right state of our own minds. Our powers, faculties, and feelings are all deranged, diseased, and perverted until we have repented of sin. Repentance brings us into that state for which we are originally destined.
It is necessary to the enjoyment of the divine favor. God is rich in mercy, but we cannot enjoy that unless we are like-minded with God. Repentance ensures His grace and the communication of His forgiving love.
It is necessary to our own peace and comfort. No peace without it, no abiding consolation, but they that sow the tears of repentance shall reap in joy; they that mourn are comforted. “O Lord, I will praise thee.”
It is necessary to our entrance into eternal life. “Except you repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” There will not be a redeemed spirit in glory that has not repented; therefore, endless life is impossible without genuine repentance.
Application
Let me caution against mistakes. Don’t be deceived by a spurious repentance, which is merely counterfeit. Partial reformation from some sins, regret for the evil we have sustained; the mere assumption of a religious profession.
Let me warn you against delays. This repentance is necessary now; future opportunities you may not possess. Many have resolved and purposed, but have been ruined by delay.
Let me remind the impenitent that hell will be the place, and eternity the duration of the repentance of those who obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Oh! Awake, and call upon your God that thou perish not.”
Your Servant,
Bishop G.W. Ayers
