Repentance: Godly vs Worldly
We can speak the Name of Christ in every sentence, but when we fall in the category of worldly repentance, our words are just inflated words of vanity and hypocrisy. We are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind. Autumn trees without fruit…. Totally dead and uprooted.
Caring only about what we want and shaping our course according to our own lusts.
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 3:5;7
This is a dangerous place – the place where God might decide to draw the line and give us over to our own sinful appetites – ungovernable passions and finally, destruction.
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:”
2 Thessalonians 2:11
“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:”
Romans 1:24
“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:22-23
REPENTANCE
| GODLY REPENTANCE: | WORDLY REPENTANCE : |
| 1. Willingly confesses sin and acknowledges guilt to Jesus Christ the Son of God. (Isaiah 6:5) | 1. Is defensive and argumentative; won’t acknowledge guilt. |
| 2. Is angry and ashamed about his/her own sin. (Luke 5:8). | 2. Is angry at the one who exposes is his/her sin. |
| 3. Fears the wrath of and discipline of God. (Acts 16:29-30) | 3. Fears exposure, shame, and loss of reputation. |
| 4. Longs to restore relationship with Jesus Christ broken by sin. (Psalm 51:3-4; Luke 14:27). | 4. Is apathetic about lost relationship with God. |
| 5. Is dedicated to and zealous for holiness. (Romans 6:11; John 3:30; Titus 2:12) | 5. Is uncaring about the consequences of his/her sin and unwilling to make restitution. |
| 6. Strives to be holy in all subsequestion actions. (Rom 6:6-14; Gal 5:16-25; Rom 8:37; 2 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 10:2-5; Rom 12:1,2,9; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Eph 5:11; 1 Tim 6:20,21) | 6. His/her subsequent life is impure and ungodly. |
| 7. Man’s sinful nature is never eradicated during this life. (Romans 3:23-24) |
Source: Elsabé Groenewald – 8 October 2019
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS US OF SIN
To reprove, to convict, to prove to be guilty.
“And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”
John 16:8
THE HOLY SPIRIT ALONE CAN DO THIS.
It is certain that our own nature human or our own reason will never convict us of our sin. Our flesh and blood cannot do it either. It is the Holy Spirit alone who can do this. It is His Office to take the things of Christ and remind us constantly of the things Jesus has said in His Word and remind us of who Jesus Christ is.
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
John 6:44
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
John 14:26
Seeking Salvation, please read this article: Seeking Salvation or Deliverance?
See articles on Eternal Security Part 1 and Eternal Security Part 2
:thumbsup: Excellent, brief and Scriptural article on the difference between godly repentance and worldly sorrow. We’re sharing this article (in full, with full attribution) with the 6 prison inmates we write to across the US. God bless, use, provide for, and continue to guide you all! David and Tamra
Awesome David and Tamra :hi5:
Question: When was Peter saved? This is not a question to trip you.
Hi Tom
In Luke 5:8 Peter felt and owned up to the fact that he was a man full of sin. He felt he had no right to be near Jesus, but Jesus could never depart from a broken-hearted sinner. It is Jesus’ richest, deepest joy to pour out His love and grace into a wounded soul – to heal the broken heart.
Luke 5:10 “And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
So here was Jesus’ divine response to the cry of a deeply remorseful heart. The wound in Peter’s heart was deep, but the God’s grace is even deeper. And Jesus Christ our Great Physician applied the precious remedy. I believe that Peter was not only convicted, but born again right there and then. :nod:
Hi Deborah,
Indeed, Peter realized that he was a lost, hell-deserving sinner who was not worthy to be in the presence of God. It is a far cry from “Come forward to accept Jesus as your Savior and just repeat these words after me” and then “zap” they are slain in the spirit.
EXCELLENT chart, Deborah!! Very much appreciate your taking the time! :thumbsup: :thankyou: It’s one I’m going to keep in my files & possibly a hard copy inside my Bible.
I know people on both “sides” of the chart… pity the ones who’re on the wrong side.
RJ :hi:
You said “I know people on both “sides” of the chart”
Yip, me too, unfortunately too many on the wrong side of the chart :unhappy: