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What is Repentance? Together, we see the process of true repentance: - Begins with a realization of error - This leads to a change in one’s mind about that - This leads to a change in direction of one’s life - Thus total change
See Matthew 21:28-32<br>
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What is Repentance? It is a deep change of heart that leads to real change in one’s life
See 2 Corinthians 7:9-11<br>
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Thoughts about Repentance God’s grace leads to repentance – Romans 2:4
Christians need to understand it - Part of restoration – Acts 8:22 - 5 of 7 churches of Asia told to repent – Revelation 2 & 3.
This is not a suggestion, but absolute necessity for restoration<br>
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Thoughts about Repentance It needs to be deliberate – something you understand, and you act intentionally. You take steps to put obstacles between you and that sin in the future<br>
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Thoughts about Repentance Repenting of “past sins” – It needs to be universal - Not just directed at certain sins - If you have sin in your life, it ALL needs to be addressed! Cf. 1 John 3:6-9 - It needs to be “far-sweeping” - You cannot “half-way” repent! If you are “leaning toward” it, you have not yet repented!<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance A psalm of David – Written after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) and being confronted by Nathan (2 Samuel 12) - You see in this psalm the depth of genuine repentance
Likely, David has repented as he writes this.<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Have mercy on me (1)
Taking care of our sins – we turn to God FIRST 1 John 1:9 – we confess our sins to Him - We need His mercy and compassion Ephesians 2:4, Titus 3:4-5, 1 Peter 1:3, etc.<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Wash me thoroughly (1b-2)
Blot out my sins…wash me…cleanse me. - a desire for complete restoration with God - We need our sins TOTALLY removed – Hebrews 8:12<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance I acknowledge my transgressions (3)
Repentance involves acknowledgment, AND remembrance – 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 - learn from your past - Confession – 1 John 1:9, cf. James 5:16 - Proverbs 28:13<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Against You… I have sinned (4)
Realization that sin is first and foremost against God – Isaiah 59:2 – sin separates you from Him - It may also be against others, or yourself, but as far as sin is concerned, it is against God first<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance I was brought forth in iniquity (5)
Is this teaching “original sin”? No. Consider Ezekiel 18:4, 2 Corinthians 5:10, etc. – Hebrew poetry often uses hyperbole (exaggeration) – e.g. Psalm 22:6 - David’s point is a realization of how sinful he is.<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance I was brought forth in iniquity (5)
Note: David is NOT seeking to excuse his sins here or blame others - a point which conflicts with “original sin” - TRUE repentance will not happen until you understand how bad sin really is<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance You desire truth in the inward parts (6)
Repentance starts in the heart - This is why saying, “I’m sorry” is not enough - Joel 2:12-13, – Jeremiah 3:10 – Judah condemned because she did NOT turn to Him with her whole heart - 2 Corinthians 7:10 – godly sorrow<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Purge me with hyssop (7-9)
Hyssop was used in cleansing rituals - Leviticus 14:4-6 (leprosy), Numbers 19:6 (purification) - Hebrews 9:19 – purifying people and the book - The point: A willingness to do what is needed to be cleansed
8-9 Another request for God removing sins<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Create in me a clean heart (10)
A desire to be completely cleansed deep within (not superficial) - a determination to take measures to completely remove your sins – including the desire. “I’m done with that!” - 2 Corinthians 7:11 – what clearing of yourselves…<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Do not cast away Your presence (11)
We want God to be with us. We want to be able to be with Him. - a godly fear that knows you CAN forfeit your salvation – Galatians 5:4, 2 Peter 2:20-22 - We want His Spirit to be able to dwell within us – Romans 8:9, 14<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Restore to me … joy of salvation (12)
The desire to be saved and live with that hope. - We ought to have confidence in this - Such will ONLY be found if we are genuine and walking in the light – 1 John 1:7 - When we repent there is rejoicing – Luke 15:7, 10, 22-24, etc.<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Then I will teach transgressors (13-15)
AFTER I am restored, I can reach others - True repentance will be evident - If I can use my past to teach others, I will<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance The sacrifices of God …(16-17)
A broken and contrite heart – we have to break ourselves (our pride, hypocrisy, lusts, bitterness, etc.) before we can truly come to God. - This verse is NOT dismissing compliance, but it IS reminding us that true repentance and service begins with the heart<br>
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Psalm 51 – True Repentance Do good… in Zion (18-19)
Zion was God’s city. As David concludes, he desires God’s best for himself and others, especially His chosen people. - This is an acknowledgement that when we do our part (repent), God will do His and restore favor to us (2 Corinthians 5:20)<br>
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Why should I repent?
If I desire to be closer to God, it is a MUST!
Are you ready to stand before Him?<br>
