Isaiah
30:15 says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and
trust is your strength." By
letting go of your own ability to control people and situations, and resting in
what Christ has accomplished through his death and resurrection, your spirit
quietly trusts God to give you the strength to receive the gift of salvation in
Christ. This is not a once and done
event. It is an ever continuing occurrence that spawns growth in the depth of
your relationship with God.
A verse
struck me in a new way reading the first chapter of Mark this week. John the Baptist is described here as a
forerunner for Jesus preaching the message that the Savior was about to appear
on earth. "John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a
baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mark 1:4). The word
baptism caught my attention. Not only
did John preach repentance, but he preached a baptism of
repentance. A baptism of
repentance speaks of an initiation, introduction, beginning, and launching into
repentance. Not merely dabbling with
repentance, but immersion into it, fully engulfed by it, and totally engaged, This is how Jesus is to be received (when he
came to earth, or in your heart on a daily basis).
So what
is repentance? One of the Webster's
1828 dictionary definitions states, "Repentance is the relinquishment of
any practice, from conviction that it has offended God." Some describe repentance as turning around
to the opposite direction. Repentance
is turning away from whatever takes us away
from God, and turning toward the things that bring us closer to God. This is a journey of continually engaging
God in worship and prayer, listening and watching for God's revelation on the
path of life.
For our
life in God to flourish, we must become aware of those things we do to offend
Him, and turn away from them. We are
much like Israel, the people of God in the Old Testament. In calling Israel to repentance, Isaiah (as
God’s representative), demands that she forsake her thoughts and ways, because
they are not His ways—which He sets over against theirs. Instead, God insists she must begin thinking
His thoughts after Him and walking in His ways (Isaiah 55:9). These "higher" thoughts and ways
have been revealed in the Bible (Isaiah 55:10-11). Repentance is turning from one's own sinful thoughts and ways to
biblical truth and holiness. Acknowledging
and confessing our sins to God releases His forgiveness. "If we say
that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).
In the
similar manner that repentance and confession are keys in reconciling oneself
to God, repentance and confession are critical in reconciliation with
fellowman. Sorrow, remorse, and
regret may accompany repentance, but neither can ever be equated with it. A weeping offender in the presence of an
offended person does not necessarily identify true repentance. Repentance is not a feeling. A person may regret his words or actions,
but not be repentant. Regret comes from
many causes and may be mixed with true repentance, but real repentance comes only
from the honest acknowledgment of wrong doing.
Repentance is real when the offender feels more pain for the hurt he
caused the offended than the inconvenience he inflicted on himself.
Some question whether repentance is
necessary before forgiveness. To answer
this, an important distinction
must be made between receiving forgiveness and granting forgiveness. The issue of repentance is vitally important
to an offender accepting the forgiveness of a victim (as part of
reconciliation). Remember, as I explain
in my book, Escaping the Pain of Offense: Empowered to Forgive from the
Heart, reconciliation is not synonymous with forgiveness. An offended person granting
forgiveness to an offender cannot place demands (such as repentance on the part
of their offender) as conditions for obeying God and practicing
forgiveness.
Sometimes the
offended party must take the first step to restore a broken relationship. Repentance and confession (on the part of the offender) are necessary
to receive forgiveness (from God).
While at the same time they are not required prerequisites for granting
forgiveness, from the perspective of an offended person needing to forgive
an offense.
Although
repentance is a necessary ingredient to experience God’s forgiveness, one
should never forget that God has made all the first moves to bring about that
reconciliation with His creatures. A
Christian is saved by God's grace. A
person is given the grace to repent and cannot claim glory for the ability to
repent.
Nonetheless, repentance and
forgiveness fit hand in glove in releasing an offender from his offense. The offended person’s willingness to take
responsibility for any part he or she plays in causing the offense demonstrates
a true heart of humility, shows the love of God, and opens the door for
reconciliation in the proper timing.
Until we
die, we all offend and are offended against.
There's no escaping offense.
Therefore, repentance as a lifestyle is a matter for growth and maturity
as a disciple of Christ. As John prepared the way for Christ coming to earth, a
baptism of repentance prepares our way for freedom in Christ.
Note: The book Escaping the Pain of Offense:
Empowered to Forgive from the Heart discusses themes of dealing with
disappointments, offense and finding freedom in forgiveness. This book is designed to help people
(especially in the Christian faith) to
discover and dislodge things in life that lead to defeat. Don't miss out on
your chance to use this book as a helpful tool in discovering Refuge in Christ.
It can be purchased by clicking here:
http://bluerockbnb.com/healing/book_main.htm . If you get anywhere near
Pennsylvania for vacation or on business, be sure to look us up for lodging
at http://bluerockbnb.com
by Ed Hersh, Blue Rock BnB Healing Ministry
