Yesterday I read Ryan Whitley’s blog that quoted J.C. Ryle (Click Here). Mr. Ryle powerfully wrote that when there is true repentance of sin, the mouth is opened and confession takes place. Make sure you click the link above, it’s well worth reading. If you don’t check Dr. Whitley’s blog often, you need to put it on your favorites list!
Then I got to thinking about what else repentance of sin brings about in a person. I agree strongly with Mr. Ryle that the mouth is opened and confession takes place. Then as I meditated, a passage from Paul came to mind. It is found in Acts 26:19-21,
Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
It’s that last phrase that stays with me… “Performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” In other words, repentance WILL produce… cause… bring about… and result in deeds (Plural). The first of which I believe is confession. But repentance doesn’t stop there, it will continue to produce other deeds that prove that genuine repentance has taken place. Among other things, repentance brings about (In no particular order. Just some of my musings.)…
Turning away from sin (Repentance), Turning TO God, Godly Grief/Sorrow Over Sin (Click here). Humility. Mercy toward others who fail. Patience with others who are being broken over the sin in their life. Then they will live daily in an attitude of repentance.
Repentance is not a one time event in the past that brought us to a saving faith in Christ. No, repentance is a lifestyle that the genuine Christian lives out each and every day of their life. Thank you Dr. Whitley for your faithful posting.