New Reminders: Repentance
by Ardith Hoff
According to Wikipedia, “Repentance is reviewing one's actions and feeling shame or regret for past wrongs, which is accompanied by commitment to actual actions that show and prove a change for the better.”
If our conscience tells us that we have done something wrong, it is important to take steps to do what we can to right the wrong. Most wrong doings cannot be undone, but that should not stop us from trying to mitigate the damage done, to our own integrity and to the person or entity that has been wronged. Step 1: Confession––admitting what we have done. Step 2: Acknowledge that it was wrong and express shame. Step 3: Express regret and a willingness to change. Step 4: Commit to change and make a plan to make amends. Step 5: Ask for forgiveness.
It is important that the repentant follow these steps. A person must be truly remorseful, resolve not to repeat the sin again, rectify the wrongdoing as much as possible, even if injustice was committed against others, and then to sincerely ask for forgiveness. Only then is true penitence achieved.
Repentance in Christianity means a sincere turning away, in both mind, and heart, from self to God. It involves a change of mind that leads to action—a radical turning away from a sinful course to God. A person who is truly repentant recognizes God the Father as the most important factor of his or her existence.
C.S. Lewis said, “If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-face and walking back to the right road.” Jesus’ death is our warning that we’re all on the wrong road until we turn from our sins and turn to Him. He is the right road. Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, 2001, p.28
The Bible is very clear about the necessity of repentance. The following verses are just a small sample of the many reminders of that. Matthew 4:17, From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and will pray and will seek my face and will turn from their evil ways, then I myself shall hear from the heavens and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
German theologian Dieter F. Uchtdorf put it this way: “It is not repentance per se that saves man. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that saves us.”