I’ve been wanting to discuss repentance for awhile.
I’ve recently been discussing with David his need for salvation. It’s something I have deliberately delayed discussing with him earlier, because he hadn’t given evidence of understanding some important biblical concepts. (yes, I know we can underestimate young children)
Since recently he’s made comments that reveal he considers himself a Christian, I’ve wanted to communicate that without salvation, he’s not a Christian.
Since he “believes in Jesus,” and thinks he “trusts in Jesus,” does that make him saved? I think not, because I’ve not ever seen evidence of true godly repentance for his sin. For my benefit, let’s review what God says about true repentance.
II Corinthians 7:10-11 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.
Another concept is God’s Holiness. Without an understanding of God’s Holiness, repentance makes no sense.
See also Psalm 51 for another insight into the heart of repentance.
As usual, God is using my burden for my children to expose my own heart’s needs. The Word I am looking at for them has been challenging me. Once again, God is using my children to sanctify me. It’s comforting to see His tender and merciful care for me, to see His gentle leading in my life.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11
Next time I’ll talk about some of the conversations we’ve been having. For now, I want to think about God’s Word some more. I want to meditate on God’s holiness. I want to ask God to show me where I need repentance, and I want to pray that God will grant it in my life.
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