When a sinner is enlightened to have an accurate view of sin, there are three things about his condition that become apparent to him:

1. the greatness of his sin against God.
2. the effect of his sin in every aspect of his life.
3. the compelling power of his sin influencing his actions.

An enlightened view of your sinful condition is not comforting. Rather, it is a very unpleasant experience. In Theology, the term Conviction is used to describe this experience. Conviction is inseparably connected with Repentance and preparative to it. For, what could better prepare a person to see his need for Repentance than an inward Conviction of his sinfulness? Elder R.V. Sarrels states (pg.363) in his book, Systematic Theology:

“The process of conviction may be gradual, or conceivably quite sudden, yet in whichever case, the result is the same. The convicted person is brought to feel his own guilt and helplessness, and to put his seal of approval on God’s act in condemning him.”

As already alluded to, Conviction is not a comforting experience. In Conviction, the sinner sees himself... not as he is in Christ, but as he would be without Christ...guilty, entirely defiled by sin, hopeless and helpless to remedy his condition. It is necessary that a sinner be brought to see his bankrupt condition, for it acts to draw forth grief and godly sorrow from the depths of his soul. This well-spring of godly sorrow, coupled with an accurate assessment of his sinfulness, is powerful motivation for behavioral changes in his life.

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance...” 2 Cor. 7:10

“Repentance is neither sorrow without change, nor change without sorrow. Rather, it is such a deep feeling of sorrow as gives rise to a determination to change.”

Repentance and Behavioral Change

As noted in the previous article, Repentance is a complex process involving the Mind, Emotions, and Will. Precisely which faculty the “seed” of Repentance is first planted, is a moot issue in day to day living. The real issue is, where it has been implanted... Is it growing? Is it “bringing forth fruit”? As “a tree is known by it’s fruit”, so genuine Repentance is recognized by attitude and behavioral changes. Carefully note the connection between Repentance, which is an inward work...and behavioral changes which are evidences of it. Do you see the connection? Think about it!

Some of the more obvious behavior defects that call for Repentance relate to sexual sins: Adultery (a sexual relationship with another persons’ wife or husband), Fornication (a sexual relationship between unwed couples...pre-marital sex), Homosexuality (a sexual relationship between persons of the same gender), Pornography (writings, graphics & movies intended to arouse sexual desire). Because of these things, Paul says: “The wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” Col.3:6

Other behavior changes which Repentance calls for are more subtle. Some of these relate to how we act or react in difficult or trying circumstances; other relate to how we interact with people. How do we deal with anger ? What about our tongue? Is it venting malice (ill-will or desire to injure), filthy communication (cussing & vulgarities), lies (speaking things that are not true).

Is there a need for Repentance in your life? Has some secret sin been draining your spiritual vitality and grieving your heart? There is Hope! With genuine Repentance comes healing!

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