The narratives of repentance are some of the most excruciating in literature, whether taken from the Bible or secular sources. Repentance in the Christian meaning is sorrow for sin. That spiritual sorrow is for two large realizations: 1) -that I am by nature a sinner; and, 2) -that I have committed sins. Though related, the two matters are differentiated, and need to be identified in one’s understanding so to be effective in a quest for righteousness. The wrongs that I have committed derive from a depravity that is as much a part of me as my mind. Ultimately it is this damning flaw of all persons in the human race that must be addressed. (Romans 3) It is, at base, a cause of genuine humility. It has death in it. It is through Jesus Christ that sin must be confronted in order for the person to be recovered of God. The person having violated the character of God is prodigal and must be adopted back into relationship if he is to be included in the family of God. It becomes a conscious act in human beings when they recognize the violation of life (sin/self) and conscience (God), and are unable to help themselves. Unable to ransom themselves, they turn to Christ for forgiveness, relief, and the inspiriting of new life within. It is a new life with the benefits of immortality. The choice is mine, with decision effectiveness and genuineness aided by the Holy Spirit of God. So my decision must be assisted. Depravity defies my private personal resources. Without Christ no one can be good enough for God.
An important function to the action of faith, leading to peace with God, is repentance. Reading great literature one discovers ways in which realization of self-evil have been addressed. One Russian author has the violating man so stricken with his actions that he recants his gentry life with all its pleasures, and joins the lady he has wronged in Siberian labor. W. Somerset Maugham was distressed about the Christian gospel and sought to be convinced that the Christian call for salvation was untrue. He sought the views of several persons he respected to assure him that there was no accounting after death. Such is conviction without repentance. The chairman of the election campaign of the first President George Bush, fell ill. Facing death he felt enormous guilt for his conduct. He made public his need to be forgiven for the way in which he had functioned in relationship to others. From what we know he found peace, and may have made more public repentance than God expects of troubled persons. The Bible provides stories and musings of repentance and correction. The simplest statement to start the process is noted in Scripture: God be merciful to me, a sinner. (Luke 18:13)
There is no doubt that sorrow for sin has been somewhat diluted by the ministry in an endeavor to make it easier for persons to find the born again (God accepting) experience. The easier road must include enough of the rejection of one’s sinful nature to make the quest successful. That the sense of guilt has led to bizarre activity there is also no doubt. Persons even flagellate themselves. Luther slowly climbed steps on bloody knees in penitence. Early camp meetings and some churches had Anxious Seats near the pulpit where persons under conviction (felt need) might be seen and make decision before or after the service was closed – or even during it. Our concern is that we express to God personal sorrow for our sin and sins, for Christ to provide forgiveness and immortality. The ordeal gives life for some, an easy admission for others, especially the young who do not have as much life baggage to manage as adults. Whatever the transitional experience to Jesus Christ the benefits and the sense of life prevails. There is meaning, peace, righteousness, love and hope. It all may appear to be old time religion. It is. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020