“When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth…” – John 16:13 (ESV)
The attitude of repentance goes much deeper than many people suppose. It’s not a mere “I’m sorry,” as we go about our business and continue in the very sin for which we are supposedly so sorry. Nor is it simply an emotional thing, feeling bad because of what we have done and continue to do to offend God and our neighbour.
Genuine repentance is a hatred of our sin, not only because we got caught or because we deserve God’s punishment, but a genuine hatred of the sinful lives we live, a fervent desire to turn our backs on sin and live a new and different kind of life.
The psalmist in Psalm 51:10 is seeking a “clean heart” and “a steadfast spirit.” He is asking, and we should also like him, ask that the Holy Spirit would create and nurture in us a genuine desire to please the Lord in all things, not because we are obligated to, but because of our gratitude for what He has first done for us. Winning for us the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of everlasting life. (John 3:16).
Why is repentance significant?
A. Fixing our behavior is not enough; our inner nature must be transformed.
B. Genuine confession is not about managing public scandal or fearing physical punishment, but about grieving the damage done to a personal relationship with God and asking Him to rebuild the inner life from the ground up.
God is willing to give us a new heart and put a new spirit within us. (Ezekiel 36:26). As His dear children, are we willing to embrace what God has provided for us through His Son, Jesus?
Let’s remember that David is not alone in his sin. We all have in some way succumbed to violence and lust. Despite being crowned with glory and honour, we have rebelled against the One Who, out of love, sent His only begotten Son to die for us. What can we do but repent when we consider all that our King has done for us? He’s the Greatest! Amen!
Read: Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:105-112; Titus 1; Jeremiah 52