Repentance

Martin Luther said, "When you are confronted by your sin and you go to God, do not presume henceforth to satisfy the law as one who intends to live a better life." Dan says, "Call it sin. Call it forgiven. Call on God to change me." The Bible asks, "After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (foolishness is the assumption of a positive response).

This idea of letting God change me (rather than changing myself) is extremely freeing but at times frustrating; I am free because of the forgiveness in the Gospel, but I want to be free from needing the Gospel! I want to be purified, but I also want to be perfect to the point of not needing to be purified! Why won't God deliver me from all sin?

Repentance is agreeing with God that my sin is bad...and I think we both agree on that point most of the time. The argument with God ensues over which one of us will take care of the mess sin causes in my life. In 15 1/2 years of walking with God no religious formulas, balanced lifestyle, "perfect church," or disciplined quiet time has ever produced an ounce of godliness in my life...any godliness created has come from the Father who has purified me through His Holy Spirit. The rails that the train of the Spirit rides on are repentance and faith, not my empty promises to "do better next time." But I still want to say it and I really feel like I mean it.