re·pent·ance
[ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuh
ns]
noun
1. deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like.
2. regret for any past action.
In Holy Scripture repentance is the act of turning back to God. We are born as sinners and our hearts are inclined to do those things contrary to God' will. Review the 10 Commandments and ask your yourself, just how many of these laws have you broken? (Ex. 20:1-20, Rom. 3:19-20) As Meister Eckhart, the 14th century theologian, quips, "God is at home, it is we who have gone for a walk."
So how does one know they have truly repented? The answer to this question can be answered by what is the attitude you have toward a particular sin. How do you view a particular idea or action today as opposed to what you once held earlier in your life. How has your mind changed about something? Since everybody it seems likes to talk about sex, then let's talk fornication, or sexual intercourse out of wedlock. Our culture, based on movies and television, portrays fornication as a normal human activity. But how does God see it? Are you guilty of premarital sex? Now if you claim to be born-again, do you feel the same way about it as when you engaged in it? In other words, has your heart changed in such away that what you once accepted you now abhor? Before my conversion, I used to run towards sin. Now that I have been saved, I do not want to do that which I used to do. This is true freedom in Christ! And if your attitude has not changed, then are you truly converted?
Jesus came to free us from the slavery of sin. He does this by circumcising out heart through His word. (Acts 2:37-41, Rom. 10:17) What our hearts were once inclined to do, now seem to be a thing to be avoided. It does not mean we won't be tempted. But even in temptation, God will provide away out. (1 Cor. 10:13, Heb. 2:18)
And by the way, there are many sins. Perhaps one where many do not have a guilty conscience about is gossip. It is a form of bearing false witness. The list will go on. It is for this reason Jesus died on the cross. The fulfilment of the law meant for us He took upon Himself. Let us then turn away from our flesh and toward Him who gives us eternal life!
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. (Rom. 6:19-21)
