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Repentance: Turning from Sin to God

unsuspecting passengers in a car is as guilty of causing death as a
criminal who willfully murders a person.

The switch operator is guilty of the sin of omission, for he knew what
was required of him but failed to do it (James 4:17). The criminal who
willfully murders another person is guilty of the sin of commission. He
is guilty of breaking the law (1 John 3:4). Whether our sins are sins of
omission (failing to do what is commanded) or commission (doing what
is forbidden), all wrongdoing is sin (1 John 5:17).

Having sinned, we stand guilty before God. The law demands payment
of a penalty. And since sin pays its wages (Romans 6:23), in our sinful
state we stand condemned and without help. But God offers pardon and
eternal life for all who accept His forgiveness.

How Is It Produced?

Paul told the Romans about how repentance is produced: “Surely
you know that God is kind, because he is trying to lead you to repent”
(Romans 2:4, TEV). God in mercy and love leads people to repentance
(John 6:44), but He uses a number of ways to bring them to this experience.
One way is through the ministry of the Word of God. For example, when
Jonah preached God’s Word to the people of Nineveh, they believed it
and gave up their wicked lives and evil actions (Jonah 3:4, 8, 10).

In addition, the preaching of the cross produces repentance. The
message of God’s love demonstrated at the cross moves people greatly.
It appeals to those who are miserable and helpless in their sins—those
in need of spiritual healing (Matthew 9:13). Such love, which provides a
way for unworthy people to be forgiven, leads to repentance.

A fresh vision of God also brings repentance. When Job saw the
majesty of God revealed, he despised himself and repented (Job 42:1–6).
There is a saying: “The only time some people look up is when they
are flat on their backs.” A loving heavenly Father must often permit
more drastic events to overtake us to get us to recognize our own need
(Revelation 3:19). Sometimes trouble, sickness, or tragedy help us to
recognize our need of God. Remember, it wasn’t until the prodigal son
recognized the awfulness of his problem that he “came to his senses,”
repented, and turned toward home (Luke 15:17–20).

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