March 24–30, 2024

Christ-centered repentance is following Jesus to courageously make changes where he is calling us to be more faithful (Pastor Marco Ambriz).

Introduction

The Greek word for repentance is metanoia, meaning “change of mind.” When we approach God, we are to change our minds, stripping ourselves of all our habitual ways of thinking (Ware 17).
What habitual patterns of thought need to be changed to come into alignment with God?

In repentance we acknowledge our responsibility for our behavior. We have failed God in thought, word, or deed in what we have done or failed to do (661). Give some examples of things that God calls us to do and warns us not to do? Why does God give us such commands?

We recognize that our behavior is not congruent with what we believe and know to be true.
In what ways do you detect some incongruency between your beliefs and actions?

For mature Christians, confession becomes less a matter of identifying particular sins or thoughts and more and more a realization that we are “prone to wander,” as the hymn writer has put it, prone to become occupied with ourselves, self-reliant rather than dependent on the grace of God (663). What are the benefits and pitfalls of repenting for particular sins versus general sinfulness?

Psalm 51: The Anatomy of Repentance

Psalm 51 provides an anatomy of the sinner’s (David’s) soul and emotions after the prophet Nathan confronted him with the enormity of what he had done in committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband (2 Sam 11–12).

The psalm conveys a profound sense of both the depth of evil possible in the human heart and the confidence of one who has experienced the effects of authentic repentance—forgiveness and reconciliation with God. If you are willing, share the moment(s) you became aware of the depth of your sin.

Psalm 51 catalogs four facets of genuine repentance echoed by Paul:

1. Comprehension of wrong done

2. Desire for justice

3. Desire for the presence of God

4. Changed action (Ryken et al. 704).

The Foundation of Repentance

Repentance is rooted in the love and acceptance of God. We do not repent in order to make things right with God. Rather, the act of confession arises out of the confidence that God loves and accepts us. We are right with God! That is why we confess our sins (661).
Why it is so important to get this order – grace, then, confession – right? Have you been taught to fear God?

The judgment of God is something we can welcome. Even as the people spat upon Jesus, mocked, tortured, beaten, pulled out his beard, put the crown of thorns on, and crucified him, Jesus still said, “Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). In the act of their violence, Jesus forgave. Jesus forgives every human being who ever lived prior to that or will ever live. This is God’s judgment on sinners: forgiveness.[1] How does this make you feel?

In repentance, then, we turn from self-absorption, self-preoccupation, pride, and self-reliance. We joyfully receive the forgiveness of God, by which the Holy Spirit empowers us to turn from sin and to live in the light (662-663). Why is self-centeredness is so detrimental to human life?

Forget Yourself and Know Yourself

The process of confession and repentance involves a certain self-knowledge. It means to know yourself as God-sourced, God­rooted; know yourself in God. We will not discover our true selves except through a death to our false and fallen self. “He who loses his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt. 16:25). Only the one who sees their false self for what it is and rejects it, will be able to discern their true self, the self that God sees. “Forget yourself and know yourself” (St. Varsanuphius) (Ware 72). What false self do you want to unmask? What is your true self?

The Practice of Repentance

• Listen to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit speaking into your heart.

• Ask God to reveal areas where changes are needed in your attitude, actions, or words.

• Say, “I’m sorry,” when you are wrong. 

• Start making small changes.

• Remember that God already accepts you!

Works Cited

Ryken, Leland et al. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Scorgie, Glen G. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. edited by Simon Chan et al., Zondervan, 2011.

Ware, Kallistos. The Orthodox Way. Reprint edition, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1986.