And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
One of the terrible controversies within Christianity has to do with repentance and what part it plays in salvation. Those who tend to be aggressive soul-winners place little or no emphasis on repentance, claiming it is a discouragement and even an enemy of soul-winning. On the other hand, advocates of strong doctrine argue that this lack of emphasis leads to shallow professions of faith, weak conversions, and easy believism.
I believe the problem lies in both camps. They have defined repentance as turning from or quitting sin.
The true believer will undoubtedly evidence faith by a changed life that includes shedding sin. It’s incompatible with a walk with God; therefore, it is a grief to those who wish for such a walk.
But repentance does not mean quitting sin. Repentance means changing one’s mind about God. We see it clearly in Revelation 16:9 (KJV)
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
The repentant “give HIM glory .”
Someone will say that verse eleven definitely points to quitting or repenting of sin. I find an interesting detail in this phrase. The word “of” means “origin, the point whence motion or action proceeds.” You see, repentance is not turning from the motion or action (sin). It is turning from the origin of that sin. It is to turn from trusting the flesh to trusting God. When that happens, sin will begin to slough off.
But it is not the sloughing off of sin that is repentance.
A person is repentant when they turn to give God glory. The process of turning results in the shedding of sin.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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