The Benefits of True Repentance...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Hosea 14:4-8; John 15:1-5
Key Verse: Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Repentance is both a mercy and a privilege extended to mankind because of the grace of God  Every other part of man's relationship with God hinges on this essential first step. Repentance is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. David's Psalm of repentance (Psalm 51) has become a model prayer. Job 33:26-30 provides a clear definition of what true repentance entails. Every Old Testament prophet issued calls for repentance, and both John the Baptist and Jesus inaugurated their ministries with "Repent ye!"

But repentance is more than just acknowledging our sin and asking for forgiveness. Repentance leads us to cleansing and clearing and making things right with those we have sinned against - including and especially God! Once man's heart is reconciled with God, he begins to understand the benefits associated with a right standing in the eyes of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hosea provides a list of them...

1. I will heal their backsliding.
2. I will love them freely.
3. My anger [against their sin] is turned away. 
4. I will be as the dew.
5. He [the repentant one] shall grow as the lily,
6. and cast forth his roots.
7. His branches shall spread.
8. His beauty shall be as the olive tree.
9. His smell as Lebanon [cedar trees].
10. They that dwell under his shadow shall return [extends to repentant's sphere of influence].
11. They shall revive as corn,
12. and grow as the vine.
13. The scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon [which has great drawing power].
14. All this comes at Jesus' expense! He said, "From Me is thy fruit found!" (John 15:1-5).

The old song says, "Oh, what peace we often forfeit! Oh, what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry - everything to God in prayer." He bore our sins in His body on the cross of Calvary. The price for our peace has already been paid. The benefits of true repentance are so great that it makes no sense to continue in sin any longer. Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock." Open the door of your heart to Him today!