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Repentance Is Complete
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by Matt Jensen
epentance is a word that has fallen out of favor. It is
True repentance happens when one sees the sinfulness of
unpopular because it requires change—it requires
sin, is sorry for it and hates it.
one to practically acknowledge Christ’s lordship
Repentance is complete in that it accords to the whole
by submitting to Him. Repentance is often misunderstood
law. Sin is defined by God in His Word alone. There is only
as well. Many emphasize “selling all you have” without
one lawgiver to whom all are bound to obey (Rom. 14:4,
speaking of the “treasure in the field” (Matt. 13:44).
10-12; 1 Cor. 7:23; Jas. 4:12). Editors of God’s law have not
Repentance is an evangelical grace, which means it happens
truly repented. Pornography, addiction, materialism, etc.
because of the gospel and by the grace of the gospel. One
will ruin your life here on earth, but it does not require
finds invaluable treasure then joyfully gives up everything
God’s grace for one to hate them. Love for the world drives many to selectively turn from their vices, but this is not true repentance. “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” John warns, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:15). Of course, we are to love creation, people, and many other things in the world. Do you love these things more than Christ? That is the question! Turning from sin merely to have a better marriage or relationship with your kids is not biblical repentance—it will not yield hatred for secret sins. Biblical repentance springs from a heart that beholds the beauty of Jesus by faith and loves Him more than anything in the world, which love
to have it. The order is important! Repentance is giving
expresses itself in keeping God’s commandments (Jn. 14:15,
one’s entire self to Christ because Christ is better than anything
21; 15:10). True repentance, therefore, has regard to all of
else. In a previous article, we considered the necessity
God’s commandments. It is found in the whole person and
of repentance. Let us consider a few things about the
according to the whole law.
completeness of repentance. Repentance is complete, that is, in the whole person
Have you truly repented and trusted in Christ? A better question, are you repenting and believing in Christ?
(thoughts, affections, words, actions, etc.). Someone who
Christ is indeed a treasure more valuable than anything in
turns away from sinful actions but not sinful thoughts have
this world, and knowing Him is better than life itself (Ps.
not truly repented. I do not like onions—in fact, I disdain
63:3)—knowing Him is eternal life (Jn. 17:3). Unrepentance
them! I am sure there are foods like that for you, too. When
is giving up treasure for trash; repentance is trading in trash
you think about those foods, how do you feel about them?
for treasure. What will you do with Jesus Christ?
Hatred for something shows up in the whole person! One who “hates” sin in part has never actually hated sin at all.
20 // December 2021
About The Author
Do you seek to avoid them? Do you speak well of them? Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah. They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.
