What is true repentance?

[Botz]

Amen Wayne.

In the OT the classic comparison and contrast is between King David and King Saul....involving jealousy,adultery and murder.

In the NT it is between the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Judas....involving betrayal of the Son of G-d.

And for one of the most amazing turn-a-rounds in the whole of Scripture...look no further than King Manasseh ...

2Chronicles 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

2Ch 33:2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

2Ch 33:3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

2Ch 33:4 Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

2Ch 33:5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

2Ch 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

2Ch 33:7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

2Ch 33:8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

2Ch 33:9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

2Ch 33:10 And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.

2Ch 33:11 Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

2Ch 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

2Ch 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.

[WayneB]

Right on Botz! Amen!

2 Ch 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

[Big Steve]

This is a good post1

[tsth]

Saints,

For me, the best example of TRUE repentance is found in Scripture, specifically in how King David responded to his rebuke by Nathan. David sinned against God and man and Nathan brought it to his attention. King David could have easily struck Nathan down or at the very least ignored his rebuke. BUT he didn

[Catsmeow]

We will never break the cycle of sins in our life until we learn to HATE sin. Alot of people love their sin, but they hate the guilt. Until they learn to hate their sin, they will be burdened down with it and will not gain victory.

I totally agree with you about hating sin. I disagree with you about remorse and crying.

The prostitute wept at Jesus' feet and bathed His holy feet in her tears. She had deep remorse for her sin. It was followed by a "turning away" of her lifestyle.

I believe that the two go hand-in-hand. I have never turned from any sin without first feelings grieved and sorrowful, weeping and deeply disturbed that I offend or anger or displease the Lord.

I've cried many tears in tandum with repentence.

[Catsmeow]

Question for anyone who can answer:

Am I chronically ill because I have terrible genes (my mother's side) or because I am being punished by God for my past sins?

Is my illness the result of a lifetime of sin before I got saved?

David was punished with the loss of his first child due to his sin. Am I sick because of the sins I committed before I came to the Lord?

Can anyone answer this?

I've wondered often why I am made to linger in a body that is so weak from illness.

God has answered so much prayer and blessed me and prospered me in so many ways; I have His Spirit dwelling within me. I feel His love. Yet, I continue to fight illness in my body. Is this my punishment?

[WayneB]

Can anyone answer this?

Bless you sister Cats.

The answer to your question is no. Just like Job's three friends, I am sure that some will try... but they cannot answer. Only God knows sister and HE is the source of the answer to your question...but you already knew that and your point is beautifully made. [Romans 8:28]

Bless you sister,

Wayne

[Orr v'emet]

I agree with Wayne, cats. You also might read the story in John 9. :hug:

[Jedi4Yahweh]

We will never break the cycle of sins in our life until we learn to HATE sin.

[Guest Called]

We will never break the cycle of sins in our life until we learn to HATE sin.  Alot of people love their sin, but they hate the guilt.  Until they learn to hate their sin, they will be burdened down with it and will not gain victory. 

I totally agree with you about hating sin. I disagree with you about remorse and crying.

The prostitute wept at Jesus' feet and bathed His holy feet in her tears. She had deep remorse for her sin. It was followed by a "turning away" of her lifestyle.

I believe that the two go hand-in-hand. I have never turned from any sin without first feelings grieved and sorrowful, weeping and deeply disturbed that I offend or anger or displease the Lord.

I've cried many tears in tandum with repentence.

Hey Cats! Actually, many times I have cried over my sins and felt remorse and regret. I am not saying that is wrong in and of itself. What I am saying is that alot of people mistakenly think that feeling guilty or crying is repentance and it is not. Let me give you an example:

I invited a lady to church with me last year. She sat through the service and she ended up crying her eyes out and walked the aisle and said the sinners prayer. She visits church one more time after that. As of now, she is living with her boyfriend, partying on the weekends and everything else you could think of. She felt guilty for her sins and she felt sorry and she cried, but there was no true repentance. It was just feelings.

This is what I am talking about. I probably should have clarified myself a little better! Sorry!