On Repenting -- Notable Quotable

This from Art/"Ultraguy" from New Wineskins awhile back about repentance...

Christ is the beginning, middle and end of repentance because what it is, really, is an increasing desire to be closer to him and, out of our increasing love for him, a desire to do as he wills. (It helps to remember that everything he wills for us is ultimately out of love; we can trust that he has our best interests at heart, even if we cannot see how in a given moment.)

In my own experience, repentance (and trust me, I am faaar from being any kind of saint — I’ve got plenty to repent of!) has been one of asking the Father, in prayer, to show me where/how I am falling short (show me my sins) and to give me the strength to cease doing them. More importantly, I’ve seen him provide me with a growing distaste for them. At the same time, my desire to read his Word has increased so that it now no longer a duty or chore but a delight.

For me, repentance is a continuing, gradual process, which I think is typical. He knows not to overwhelm us. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. One sure sign of an enemy attack is when you’re all of a sudden loaded down with a very long list of things you feel guilty about or when a nagging, accusatory, belittling sense comes over you. Christ’s way of working is very different.

For more on repentance and it's necessity for salvation please CLICK HERE.

Simply put, it's not merely "changing your mind" about sin, but "turning and walking away from it" in the direction of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the things He says are holy and righteous.

Share|