Two kinds of repentance are possible in human experience. One is “the sorrow of the world,” a feeling induced by the fear of getting caught. Many people recognize the unpleasant consequences of their sin and are persuaded that they are guilty. This results in a superficial sorrow that may lead to a temporary reformation but not a genuine turning to Christ for forgiveness. Godly sorrow, on the other hand, is accompanied by conviction of sin, the work of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:37). This stems from the realization of offending a holy God. It leads to genuine repentance.
An unknown author wrote, “There is a radical distinction between natural regret and God-given repentance. The flesh can feel remorse, acknowledge its evil deeds, and be ashamed of itself. However, this sort of disgust with past actions can be quickly shrugged off, and the individual can soon go back to his old wicked ways. None of the marks of true repentance described in 2 Corinthians 7:11 are found in his behavior. Out a list of 10 men in the Bible who said, ‘I have sinned,’ we believe only five actually repented. They were David (2 Samuel 12:13), Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:6), Job (Job 42:5-6), Micah (Micah 7:9), and the prodigal son (Luke 15:18).”
The Lord demands repentance from those who know they have sinned against Him. He wants them to forsake their evil ways and seek the renewing He alone can impart. Only godly ways and seek the renewing He alone can impart. Only godly sorrow can work “repentance to salvation” or restore a believer’s fellowship with the Savior. – Henry G. Bosch
My transgressions I confess,
Grief and guilt my soul oppress,
Wash me, make me pure within,
Cleanse, oh cleanse me from my sin. – Psalter
Grief over being caught in sin is one thing; true repentance is quite another.
- July 16, 1984, Our Daily Bread
For You 