Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, July 8, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-07-08-2017

This is devotional thought number 16 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is: Repentance and Confession.

Here’s the question for consideration: What is true and sincere repentance?

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9–10).

Repentance is a big word, I will admit. It’s a religious word. It’s one we seldom use outside that context. However, if we understand it and apply it to our lives, we will never be the same.

Just imagine walking down a dark road toward the sea. The mountains are behind you and you sense danger. As you approach the shore, you notice there are sharks in the water! Your foreboding was founded. You turn toward the mountains a get out of there. You literally turn your shoulder and your body follows in the opposite direction. This is a major part of repentance. When we are traveling along life’s path and the Holy Spirit pricks our conscience, letting us know that we need to turn from our sins; when we do so, we repent. Repentance is a gift from God, like every other saving virtue (Romans 2:4).

Now, if you read our theme text closely, you’ll notice a vital element we often miss. Repentance is not only turning away from wrongdoing. It is also godly sorrow for sin. Too often we feel a sense of regret when we are caught doing wrong, or there is some undesirable consequence. Some feel badly because their reputations are in shambles. This is not godly sorrow. Judas betrayed Jesus and when he felt helpless, he tried to return the blood money, blurted out a counterfeit confession, and then committed suicide. This is not godly sorrow for sin. It did not drive him toward his loving Savior. Peter, on the other hand, did experience true repentance following his betrayal of Jesus. When the Spirit awakened his conscience, his deeply felt sorrow for what he had done drove him to commit himself fully to the Lord. Do you see the difference?

What is true and sincere repentance? It is when the Holy Spirit shows us the error of our ways, and in His strength, we are deeply sorrowed and committed to walk with Him as He gives us strength (more on this in a future devotional thought). Repentance is a gift. Ask for it today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)