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Psalm 32:1-5
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Why is it that so many people today who claim to be Christians show little or no evidence in their daily living that they really came to a saving knowledge of Christ? The positive way to ask that same question is: what is it that causes a person who claims to be a Christian to make such a radical change in their life and lifestyle to live in submission and obedience to God and His Word? The answer is found in Wayne Grudem’s definition of repentance, which is: a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it and walk in obedience to Christ. In the coming weeks we will look at 4 truths that must be followed for true conversion to take place.
The 1st step must be A HEARTFELT SORROW FOR SIN. I don’t think anyone expresses heartfelt sorrow for sin more clearly than David. Read Ps. 32:1-5; 38:1-4, 18; 51:1-5. Can you feel the sorrow David feels when he is confronted-deep in his heart, with his sin? The true Christian, the true man or woman of God can feel that sorrow. The apostles had the same message, please go to Acts 2:37; 24:24, 25; 1 John 3:20. Repentance begins with sorrow of heart because you are confronted with the reality that you have defaced or marred God’s handcrafted workmanship, and impugned His reputation. When we were learning about the doctrine of regeneration, we learned our sinful nature is so dangerous because Paul tells us in Eph. 2:3 we do, or choose to carry out, the wishes of our understanding. Understanding means the ability to perceive; the thinking consciousness (including moral reflections); judgment; resolve; and intention. When God leads a person to the point in their life where they, of their own free will choose spiritual life and godliness, they also choose to do all God requires of those who accept His gracious gift of salvation, the individual knowingly, willingly, intentionally, and consciously chooses to turn from their life in sin (repentance), to a new life walking in obedience to Christ (faith).
True Biblical repentance is not an emotional experience. True Biblical repentance is a conscious, willful, intentional decision that takes place in a person’s mind. Repentance causes us to have a genuine sorrow and hatred for sin physically, mentally, and spiritually! So the question is—how does that genuine sorrow and hatred for sin become reality in a person’s life? Read John 16:1-11. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin because they do not believe in Christ as their Savior. In this verse the word convict means, to show someone his sin and to summon him to repentance. Conviction can take place: privately between 2 people. Matthew 18:15. Conviction can also take place publicly. Read 1 Tim. 5:20. In the future the Lord Jesus will convict of sin In His letter to the church in Laodicea the Lord Jesus says, “those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” When all this happens in a person’s heart they have begun to turn from sin and repentance to Christ in the faith. And there is no greater experience in this life!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
