Read Romans 2
Key Verses 4, 6 & 7: “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance… God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Observations: In the New Testament repentance was not a thing of grief and sorrow over our sin but rather has the notes of excitement and joy. It was not negative in its form but positive, positive because it was leading to a new and glorious life in Jesus Christ. Repentance should not be confused with remorse which is deep sorrow over sin but lacks the positive note of repentance. Repentance is a good and great thing, it is the better life, it is the best life possible.
Application: When I think of repentance I most often think of what we have to leave behind rather than thinking about what we will get to enjoy. Paul’s perspective changes this up, repentance is all about what we will get to experience on the other side of God’s forgiveness. I need to look at repentance from that perspective, that this is an opportunity for me to come clean with what I have done and to live in a better way going forward.
Prayer: God, change my thinking on repentance
