one's sinful actions.
We need to understand that repentance does not
start and end with just feeling remorseful and sorry for one's sinful
actions.
The feeling of remorse is usually accompanied by fresh and
further actions, that are void of sin(in order to show that one's
regret and remorse for past sins are sincere and true).
It is very possible for
someone to appear remorseful and contrite, without having any
intention to discontinue his sinful activities.
If any one goes back
to his/her sins after feeling remorseful and contrite about it, he/she
has not yet repented, because repentance is not isolated.
Repentance
goes with:
1. CONVERSION(transformation, change, regeneration and
reformation): 'REPENT ye therefore and be CONVERTED' (Acts3:19). After
repentance there should be a visible change and a difference between
the old life and new life.
2. A CHANGE OF ALLEGIANCE, LOYALTY AND
DEVOTION: 'that they should REPENT and TURN TO GOD'(Acts26:20). As a
sinner, you were a faithful servant to the devil, after repentance
there should be a switch of that faithfulness and devotion.
Your
faithfulness, devotion and allegiance should turn unto God, after
repentance.
3.ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOSPEL: 'REPENT ye and BELIEVE THE
GOSPEL(mark1:15). Accepting and believing the gospel (christian
doctrines and christ teachings), without doubting, arguement,
dilution, is a sign of true repentance. Therefore this must follow
repentance.
4. GOOD WORKS: 'that they should REPENT and turn to God
and DO WORKS meet(fit) for repentance .(Acts26:20). Good deeds must
come after genuine repentance.
5.RESTITUTION(restoring any ill-gotten
item, settling misunderstandings, apologising for any harm done and
making other amends): 'and If I have taken anything from any man by
false accusation, I restore him fourfold'(luke19:8).
Restitution is a
sign of true repentance and remorse for past sins. For instance, if
you stole an item while you are a sinner, after repentance, you need
to return them, to show that you are really sorry.
No comments:
Post a Comment