GENUINE REPENTANCE II

In the first part of this topic, we defined Repentance as a feeling of regret or remorse for doing wrong or sinning. But the question is - what makes repentance genuine? Repentance becomes genuine when it starts with God and a sincere commitment to allow God to lead the process through. The way he leads people into repentance may differ but the pattern is the same - the pattern is the four truth that we have established about genuine repentance in the first part of this series.

In this part, the focus will be on providing answers to questions that people ask about genuine repentance. Discussing these questions will help our understanding of genuine repentance further.

Question 1: I have repented of my sin and given my life to Jesus Christ but anytime I want to pray or get involved in anything spiritual unto God I always feel guilty and not able to push further.

Romans 8:1 (Amp) Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. 

The feeling of guilt is one of the strategies of the devil against Christians (especially new convert). He brings this feeling to deflate your passion and zeal so that you are not able to get into a deeper relationship with God. According to the above scripture Romans 8:1 if you have truly repented you can no longer be condemned. All you need to do is to quote the scriptures to the devil whenever he brings that feeling to you.

Question 2: I believe I have genuinely repented but I always find myself going back to the same sin. 

In Romans 10:14-23, Paul expresses the same concern to give light to this situation.

Romans 10:14,15, 19, 20

 14 We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a creature of the flesh [carnal, unspiritual], having been sold into slavery under [the control of] sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].19 For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].

From this scriptures, Paul made it clear that it is the sin that is dwelling in him that made him keep committing the sin that he repented of and does not want to do. Repentance is not enough to deliver from sin, being born again is essential to break the yoke of sin. Being born again implant the seed of God in you and bring you to the level where sin will have no control over you again.

Question 3: I have an addiction that I have tried to stop severally but I find myself going back to it.

Addiction is difficult to handle especially when it involves drug. For a drug addict, you may need medical specialists to combine with a spiritual touch to get over it. However, for every form of addiction, the problem is that people only want to get rid of the addiction but not the body of sin that is driving the addiction. To get rid of addiction follow this process:

1. Godly sorrow that leads to repentance.

2. Acknowledge your weakness (that is the inability to help yourself).

3. Openly accept Jesus as your personal saviour and denounce the very addiction. 

4. Brokeness of spirit which comes as a result of continuous Godly sorrow and an encounter with God. At this point, the Holy Spirit take charge of the process to the point that the object of addiction becomes strange to the fellow. It is important to note that to get to this level of brokenness you must forget about dealing with the addiction but dealing with the body of sin that resides in you. Your acceptance of Jesus will release the grace that is required to overcome it.

Do you have a concern about your repentance and your position with Jesus Christ share your question with us and we would provide answers to guide your decision.

Finally, Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as snow. God bless you.