The Comforting Grace of Repentance
9/18 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 14; 2 Corinthians 7; Ezekiel 21; Psalm 68
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
9/18 Reading Portions: 2 Samuel 14; 2 Corinthians 7; Ezekiel 21; Psalm 68
2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we are comforted.
JOY
Repentance is a grace of God that brings comfort. That is to say, it should bring comfort to our souls. Quite often, repentance is not the comfort it should be because many misunderstand true biblical repentance. Paul and his missionary team was comforted by the repentance of the Corinthians because they knew that the godly sorrow they possessed over their sin produced repentance that made contrite sinners alive in Christ, not regretting that they sorrowed or repented (2 Cor 7:10). They knew that those who repented from their sins would know a supernatural comfort that abides in the truth that…
“…there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10
Most often, repentance is experienced by us subjectively and personally. Because of the corruptions still remaining in mortal flesh, we have much to repent of throughout the day. And we thank God for the grace of repentance. There are times, however, when we are used as channels of blessed repentance for others. Because of the abiding comfort of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (John 14:16-17), the witness of our mere presence may be enough to convict a soul of sin. On other occasions, it may be our testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26). Still, at other times, the Holy Spirit may prompt us to speak a word of reproof (John 16:8-10). When we are used in this way by God’s providence, recognizing that repentance means reconciliation to God whereas the contrite soul has turned from the sin that hindered fellowship with God and has returned to Him again through Christ, we are comforted by this. When another repents because of who we are, or because of what we’ve said or done, our heavenly Father rejoices before the angels of heaven; and we should likewise rejoice for having been used to serve our God in such a way. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
I’ll sing to God and praise His name
For joy and comfort brought
By repentance in godly grief
For sins I have ought not.