“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10, ESV)

 

One morning, I picked up my phone to see the “Verse of the Day” (YouVersion Bible App), scripture which was 2 Corinthians 7:10. I read it, then I re-read it! Then I thought, what’s the difference? I thought I sort of knew, but I really had no clue, so I did some research and found an article written by someone who knows the difference.

 

The author, Pastor Adriel Sanchez writes, “According to the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Louw & Nida) the word repentance means, to change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness. In repentance, a person is given a true sense of the heinous nature of sin and, hating it, they turn to God through Christ with the desire to part ways with it. It is a gift that God gives to us and true repentance leads to eternal life (2 Tim. 2:25)." 

 

“True repentance does not regret parting ways with sin; false repentance does.

 

Because God grants us a clear view of our sins in repentance, we don’t regret the loss of them. False repentance is characterized by a continual longing for the “old life.” Although a person may have made certain external changes in their life, their heart is continually drawn back to the sins they miss. Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:62).

 

True repentance hates sin; false repentance hates the consequences of sin.

 

True repentance is often characterized by a godly anger about the terrible nature of sin. This zealous indignation is concerned with God’s glory and the flourishing of the image of God in humanity. False repentance is less concerned about the glory of God and more concerned with getting caught. This type of concern is what Paul calls “worldly grief.” True repentance often takes the initiative in bringing sin into the light (through confession) since it hates the sin itself, not just its consequences. Jesus said, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (Jn. 3:20-21).”

 

Now I have a fuller understanding, and I also know why I was able to let go of some sins easily, but I struggled to let go of others. Sorry, is not enough! But God’s grace is sufficient enough to bring us to full heartfelt repentance when we determine that we love God, His ways, His Word and His will more than the sinful desires of the flesh that draw us away from Him.

 

To enjoy the full article, use this link: https://corechristianity.com/resource-library/articles/true-vs-false-repentance-whats-the-difference

 

Prayer:

Father, please forgive me for my sins, not just my sinful ways of thinking, but the sins of my flesh. I don’t always get it right, but I know that You will make me right. I give you my repentant heart and I am turning toward you for Your deliverance. Thank You for Your grace and mercy that assists me daily on my new journey of salvation. I pray to let my light shine, that men may see my good works and glory my Father who is in heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.