Deep Dive into All of Grace: An Earnest Word for Those Who Are, by Grace, Seeking Salvation by Charles Spurgeon - How Repentance Is Given

Repentance is fundamentally a divine gift bestowed by Jesus Christ, rather than a human effort or feeling that can be conjured by an individual's own will. It does not originate from an "unwilling nature" or a "dry well of corrupt nature."

Jesus is exalted as a Prince and Saviour specifically to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. His death, resurrection, and ascension have made repentance possible, available, and acceptable to God. Without His interposition and "wealth of merit," any human remorse would be "worth nothing" and would offer no hope for forgiveness, as the law offers only death for sin. His exalted position ensures that repentance gains a "position of acceptance" before God.

Repentance comes through several key mechanisms initiated by Jesus:

• The Holy Spirit: Upon Jesus's exaltation, the Spirit of God was poured out to supernaturally renew human nature and take away the "heart of stone". The Holy Ghost actively "overshadows men's spirits and breeds repentance within them," acting as a gift of "free and sovereign grace."
• Nature and Providence: From God's right hand, Jesus rules all things, using both "bitters and sweets, trials and joys" – such as poverty, sickness, or sadness – to produce "a better mind toward their God." He uses these experiences to subdue "hard hearts unto the gracious softening of repentance."
• Spiritual Influences and His Word: Jesus works through "whispers in the conscience," His "inspired Book" (Holy Scripture), those who speak from it, and through "praying friends." He can strike a "rocky heart" with His word, causing "streams of repentance to flow forth," or mysteriously soften an individual.
• Contemplation of Christ's Death: One of the "surest and speediest methods of gaining repentance" is "believingly think[ing] of Jesus dying for you." Meditating on His suffering allows Jesus to "look at you," leading to a deep, transformative sorrow like that experienced by Peter.

This gift is extended to the most unlikely people, including those who have "most grossly sinned against light and love" like Israel, or individuals with "very stubborn hearts." Jesus's "boundless power" enables Him to turn "lions into lambs." Therefore, instead of attempting to force repentance, one should "Look to Jesus for all you need," as "Christ is all" in the process of receiving this vital gift.

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