The Doctrine of Repentance – Part 4

​After discussing what repentance is and the need for repentance, one must discuss the process of repentance.  The process of repentance includes confessing sin, forsaking sin, and turning to God.  First is confessing sin.  To confess is defined as to agree with, to acknowledge, admit, or not to deny.  Each person must agree with God by acknowledging their wrongdoing, not denying their participation but admitting, and professing those sins to God in seeking forgiveness (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).  Confession humbles a person to know their need for someone greater.  The action of confession reflects the desire to cleanse oneself from the filthiness of sin (Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 32:5).  Next is forsaking sin.  To forsake is defined as to renounce, turn away from entirely, retreat from, leave behind, or give up.  Forsaking sin is vital to the Christian life because there is a high price to pay if a person chooses not to obey.  The price is eternal death in Hell (Romans 6:23).  When sin is viewed as deadly it should create a motivation to not only confess it to be delivered but to forsake it so the wages no longer are the seeds planted within one's life.  Confessing and forsaking sins go together with confession as the disposal and forsaking not returning (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7).  God commands that all people go away from sin.  Those who have already turned to God are especially given the command to not go back (Proverbs 4:14-15).  This forsaking of sin begins with repentance but does not stop until the glorified body is received as the reward of endurance unto salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13).  Forsaking sin is truly tested when a Christian submits as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).  Lastly is turning to God.  Turning to God is the essence of replacing the sinful lifestyle that once dominated with a new mindset, a new nature, and a new way of living that reflects the cleansing that has taken place on the inside to honor God (Acts 3:19).  It is not enough to only turn away from sin but allow God’s presence to fill the void where sin once dominated.  The change of mind and purpose turns to God in obedience bringing a refreshing (James 4:8).  After confessing and forsaking sin, turning to God brings repentance to fulfillment.  It is the height of making the change from the old sinful nature to a new holy character (Acts 26:20; Psalm 68:20).  God’s Word displays that in turning to God there are requirements and promises as a result of the process.  When turning to God, sins are being forsaken by the cleansing of hands, purifying hearts, and turning the opposite direction of sin (James 4:8).  Simultaneously, as Christians turn to God by getting closer to Him, He gets closer to them because sin is no longer a wall creating a division (John 1:12).  The promise within this process is deliverance and victory from death, which is the wages of sin (Romans 6:23).  Turning to God gives the person power through faith.  Repentance requires this process to properly make the permanent turn from a sinful being to a clean and holy being.  This does not constitute sin will never be present again in one’s life, but a person who lives a life of submission to God is quick to repent for the sins committed (1 John 3:6).  Omitting any part of this process diminishes repentance to a religious formality.  May God’s people understand the process of repentance to live holy before Him.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.