“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Repentance has been confused with guilt and self-punishment. Scripture presents it as a turn, and as the road to refreshing.
Many people have been taught to feel bad and have called it repentance. But feeling bad can leave a person exactly where they were, only more discouraged. Repentance is a change of direction, not merely a change of mood.
Look at the order in Peter's sentence. Repent, be converted, sins blotted out, then times of refreshing. Refreshing is not the reward for a long probation. It follows the turn.
This is why repentance is good news rather than bad. It is the doorway out of what has been wearing you down, and God holds it open. He is not reluctant.
If something in your life needs to be turned from, do not wait for a stronger feeling. Turn now, and let God supply the strength as you go.
Lord, I repent. I turn from what has held me and I turn to You. Blot out my sins, and send the refreshing that comes from Your presence. Amen.
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Related
The difference between remorse that circles the same ground and repentance that actually changes course.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
God did not wait for the world to become lovable. He loved it while it was still in rebellion, and He proved that love by giving His Son.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 (KJV)
Mercy is not God pretending sin does not matter. It is God bearing the cost of it Himself and inviting the guilty home.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
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