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First Words: Repentance
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted.
2 Corinthians 7:10a
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 7:5-10
Recently actor Alec Baldwin issued a statement regarding his rude behavior on an airplane: "I would like to apologize to the other passengers onboard the… flight that I was thrown off of." He then went on to blame the crew. One newspaper questioned his "non-apology." Could it be, the paper asked, that people think apologizing will damage their self-esteem? Is this generation incapable of admitting when it's done something ugly? 1
As we share the Gospel, some words should come up early in the conversation. Like repentance. That's when we confess our sins and are willing to let God change our lives. It's the determination to reverse course, to go in the direction of obedience.
According to Scripture, repentance is necessary for healthy hearts. As Peter said in Acts 3:19: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." The Gospel proclaims "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). Those "first words" make good first steps.
True repentance will entirely change you.
George Whitefield
Read-thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 12:1 -- 14:33
1 Julian Baggini, "Saying Sorry Has Never Meant Less" in The Guardian, December 16, 2011.
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted.
2 Corinthians 7:10a
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 7:5-10
Recently actor Alec Baldwin issued a statement regarding his rude behavior on an airplane: "I would like to apologize to the other passengers onboard the… flight that I was thrown off of." He then went on to blame the crew. One newspaper questioned his "non-apology." Could it be, the paper asked, that people think apologizing will damage their self-esteem? Is this generation incapable of admitting when it's done something ugly? 1
As we share the Gospel, some words should come up early in the conversation. Like repentance. That's when we confess our sins and are willing to let God change our lives. It's the determination to reverse course, to go in the direction of obedience.
According to Scripture, repentance is necessary for healthy hearts. As Peter said in Acts 3:19: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." The Gospel proclaims "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). Those "first words" make good first steps.
True repentance will entirely change you.
George Whitefield
Read-thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 12:1 -- 14:33
1 Julian Baggini, "Saying Sorry Has Never Meant Less" in The Guardian, December 16, 2011.
