Repentance: Turning from Darkness to Light – Part 2

The story of the Prodigal Son is the story of repentance. When like the prodigal son, in the “pig pen of this world” shakes us from the delusion of self ... when we "come to ourself" and realize that in my soul dwelleth no good thing (Romans 7:18), when we reach the bottom and there is no where to go but up, this is the point of changing direction. Repentance is forsaking the pig pen of this world and turning our eyes upon Jesus. Repentance is to do an about-face ... it is the inflection point when we turn from the selfishness of sin and unto the righteousness of God in Christ.

There are three + one questions that lead to repentance: 
1. Are you willing to turn away from all your sin and willfully pursue the righteousness of Christ instead?
2.  Are you willing to give up the right to run your own life and submit to the authority of Jesus Christ?
3.  Are you willing to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to become His follower forever?

If the answer to these three questions is "yes," the final question is:  When you heard these three questions, did they sound like a burden or did they sound like being set free from the bondage of sin?  When the student is ready for the answers, the teacher will come. When the time is ready, true repentance turns from sin and towards the Lord, begging for forgiveness from sin against a just and holy God. The moment of conviction is that point of inflection.  It only takes one moment in time to turn a life around ...  turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face.  And the things of earth become strangely dim, in the light of his glorious grace.

Romans 2:4 says that It is the righteousness, kindness and goodness of God that leads a person to repentance. If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Godly repentance brings us to the righteousness of God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

What shall wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh blessed is the flow, That makes me white as snow, No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus...

May God richly bless you.
Your brother in Christ,
Michael