One does not decide casually, as a matter of routine, to repent. The self never wants to die. Usually a real struggle goes on within. To repent is to make an unconditional surrender to God. Repentance is not temporary remorse over past mistakes and failures. Emotion artificially stirred up by an altar call is not repentance. True repentance goes down deep, involving one’s entire being. Repentance is a complete and utter forsaking of a self-willed and self-ruled life. You haven’t even taken the first step toward eternal life until your brand of repentance is of the same caliber. The watered down, insipid repentance taught by most is of the flesh. The sorrow of this world is a house built on sand. (See Matthew 7:24-27). True repentance is a total change of mind and heart and direction of life. It is a turning from the self-centered way of vanity, selfishness, greed, hostility, envy, jealousy and unconcern for the good and welfare of others to the God-centered way of love and obedience to God, and love and concern for others.
The apostle Paul was inspired by God to give an in depth description of true God produced repentance in 2 Corinthians 7, verses 9 through 11: “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance. (Sorrow is not repentance. Sorrow for you sin can lead to repentance). For you were made sorry after a godly manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing. (They were not harmed in any way by being brought to true, profound repentance by Paul’s teaching and instruction). For godly sorrow works repentance (leading to) salvation not to be repented of (never to be regretted), but the sorrow of the world (a mere emotional upheaval) works death (does not lead one to eternal life). For behold this selfsame thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you (to discern whether their repentance was genuine), yea, what clearing of yourselves (from any and all ungodliness), yea, what indignation (that you could have strayed so far), yea, what fear (to think, do or say anything offensive to God), yea, what vehement desire (to walk in holiness ever and always), yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge (against all ungodliness). In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” (All comments inside parentheses are my own).
Repentance is the first step into eternal life.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley