Repentance

[TK Burk]

2 of 2

True repentance is a “godly sorrow” for sin. It is an act of turning around and going in the opposite direction. This type of repentance leads to a fundamental change in a person’s relationship to God.

2 Corinthians 7:10
(10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Many times the subject of RESTITUTION comes up when speaking on repentance. Why? Because some people have things (mistakes/sins) in their past for which they feel guilty or responsible. These feelings or thoughts cause them to desire a way to "make things right." Here is how Noah Webster defines "restitution":

Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English

RESTITU'TION, n. [L. restitutio.]
1. The act of returning or restoring to a person some thing or right of which he has been unjustly deprived; as the restitution of ancient rights to the crown.
• Restitution is made by restoring a specific thing taken away or lost.
2. The act of making good, or of giving an equivalent for any loss, damage or injury; indemnification.
• He restitution to the value makes.
3. The act of recovering a former state or posture. [Unusual.]
• Restitution of all things, the putting the world in a holy and happy state. Acts 3.

Nave's Topical Bible gives us several areas where this biblical principle is found. Here is that list:

RESTITU'TIONTo be made for injury to life, limb, or property
Exodus 21:30-36; Leviticus 24:18

To be made for theft
Exodus 22:1-4; Proverbs 6:30-31; Ezekiel 33:15

To be made for dishonesty
Leviticus 6:2-5; Numbers 5:7; Job 20:18; Ezekiel 33:15; Luke 19:8

This last one (Luke 19:8), is dealing with Jesus and Zacchaeus. This was a story about a tax collector who was SHORT on honesty and stature. Remember, this was still during the time of Law, as were all these other examples given by Naves. But the Law is for sinners. And when you wrong or defraud a person you are sinning against them.

The 1599 Geneva Bible Translation Notes says this about this story of Zacchaeus' restitution: "The example of true repentance is known by the effect."

Restitution is a New Covenant principle that should always happen when and where it can; because making things right with man is a BIG part of making things right with God!

Matthew 3:8
(8) Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Acts 26:20
(20) But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:20 AMP
(20) But made known openly first of all to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout the whole land of Judea, and also among the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works and live lives consistent with and worthy of their repentance.

"'That they should repent.' He preached more than a theory; he preached a new life." (The People's New Testament [1891] by B. W. Johnson)

The positive, or merciful, side of repentance is seen in these words:

Luke 15:10
(10) There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Repentance is a turning from wickedness and dead works.

Acts 8:22
(22) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Without repenting of our sins we cannot be saved.

Luke 13:3
(3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jesus’ disciples continued His message of repentance and faith (See Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21; 26:20).

Repentance is more than telling God you’re sorry for sin. It’s a mindset whose goal is to purposefully remove any obstacle that causes one to stray from the straight and narrow, and then to deliberately walk toward the salvation and maturity that’s found only in Jesus Christ. Consequently, sometimes a person needs to repent more than once to turn their lives toward Jesus’ direction. That doesn’t mean any repentance they did before was unacceptable to God; but that they still have issues blocking them from completely moving away from their sin and toward God. For a man or woman to walk the straight path and go through the narrow gate, they must live a life of repentance, for repentance helps correct variances they will have on their journey to Christlikeness.