Saving Repentance
Saving repentance involves a genuine sorrow for sin and a desire to change, as seen in the examples of various biblical characters.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that saving repentance is characterized by a deep contrition and grief of heart for sins committed, often referred to as godly sorrow. He illustrates this through biblical examples of mourning sinners, such as David, Hezekiah, Ephraim, Mary Magdalene, and the Corinthians, who all demonstrated heartfelt repentance. This sorrow leads to a humbling of the heart and a sincere desire to turn away from sin, reflecting the transformative power of true repentance.
Text
Saving repentance includes contrition or grief of heart
for sins committed. Now this is sometimes called--
godly sorrow, 2 Cor. 7:10;
a contrite spirit, Isaiah 66:2;
a broken and contrite heart, Psalm 51:17;
the afflicting of our souls, Lev. 16:29;
the humbling of the heart, 2 Chron. 7:14, Lam. 3:20;
a mourning, Zech. 12:10;
a weeping, Mark 14:72.
All repenting sinners are mourning sinners.
David repents--and waters his couch with his tears.
Hezekiah repents--and humbles himself for the pride of his heart.
Ephraim repents--and Ephraim bemoans himself.
Mary Magdalene repents--and weeps, and washes Christ's feet with her tears.
The Corinthians repented--and were made sorrowful after a godly manner.
Sermon Outline
- Saving Repentance
- Definition of Saving Repentance
- Contrition or grief of heart for sins committed
- Examples of repenting sinners
Key Quotes
“All repenting sinners are mourning sinners.” — Thomas Brooks
“David repents--and waters his couch with his tears.” — Thomas Brooks
“The Corinthians repented--and were made sorrowful after a godly manner.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of godly sorrow in repentance and change.
- Allow yourself to be deeply affected by your sin and its consequences.
- Seek to change your behavior and deepen your relationship with God.