The glare of the lights shone down upon the three guests claiming to be repentance. The contestants waited anxiously for the unveiling. It had been a flawless show.
The first question had been addressed to the second guest. He had confidently claimed to be Repentance because he was very sorry for what he had done. In fact, he said that his life would no longer be the same because each morning when he woke up his mind was flooded with torment over what he had done.
The response of guest number one had been "I am Repentance because I realize I have sinned. And now I am doing penance to repay that debt such as volunteering countless hours of service."
The last guest had also claimed to be Repentance. She told a painful story of becoming aware of her sinful plight. Realizing her pitiful state if she stayed in control of her life, she had made the decision to become a slave to God. She changed her mind about what was good and what she should be seeking to achieve. Her behavior had followed suit. She had experienced a change of heart that had led her to begin to serve God.
As the moment intensified for the real Repentance to stand up, some in the studio expected that two or even three of the guests should stand up. Others had picked simply one guest.
The tension which had hung in the air was finally broken as the third guest slowly stood up. She was the one whose sorrow had led to a change of heart and mind which had resulted in the decision to adopt new behavior in her service to God.
Repentance is not just being sorry for what I have done. Repentance is not simply trying to do penance for the damage I have done. It is that change of allegiance, heart, mind and behavior which comes from having a godly sorrow for one's sin.
For further study consider:
2 Corinthians 7:8-13
Luke 13:1-9
Luke 15:11-22
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2000