I speak of repentance many times in the Bible class I teach. I want my students to know exactly what repentance is. Most of the world believes repentance is saying “I’m sorry.” Repentance is not merely a change of mind; it is a change of the mind and life for the better. It changes a person’s stubbornness from self-will to His will.
The following chapter in Psalm 51 is a wonderful chapter in telling us what true repentance is. David acknowledged his sin. We should do likewise.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
“Three steps are essential in repentance:
First, a broken and bruised spirit caused by sorrow for sin. David experienced this heart feeling and offered it to God as a sacrifice/
God delighted in this rather than in burnt offerings, and was pleased with the latter only after the former was offered to Him. The emphasis is placed on what goes on in the inward man. No outward acts of religion will satisfy the Father unless they emanate from inward purity.
Second, confession. This was David’s free and open confession. It is very similar to his confession of guilt in Psalm 32:5:
“I acknowledge my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.”
He did not try to conceal that he was a sinner. Nor did he try to exonerate himself.
Third. Reformation of one’s life. This is the test of repentance, provided the amendments are prompted by grief for sin rather than for economic, or social political gains. The changed heart produces a change in living, as stipulated by John the Baptist:
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:8
“I’m sorry is a statement.
I won’t do it again is a promise.
How do I make it up to you?
is repentance.” ~ Unknown
Eileen Light