Seven Myths of Repentance

(from Repentance by Richard Roberts)

ance by Richard Roberts)

(from Repentance by Richard Roberts)

Myth 1: Sorrow Equals Repentance

Some folks are sorrowful over being caught, but not for the sin itself. In real repentance, genuine tears are shed because it is the Spirit of God who convicts them of their sin and they are grieved to have offended God that they weep brokenheartedly over their sin.

Myth 2: Self-Preservation is Repentance

This is an attempt to lessen the consequences of “repentance like” behavior. Or the person who declares, “Lord, if you get me out of this jam, I’ll change my ways.”

Repentance could come from this, but it’s not necessarily the same thing.

Myth 3: Penance and Repentance are Equal

Going through certain rituals or attempts to earn God’s favor, without genuine, heartfelt sorrow for sin and turning away from sin and toward godliness is not the same thing as biblical repentance.

Myth 4: Reformation Is Repentance

Anyone can turn over a new leaf. In fact, many folks do every January 1st. This does not require the help of God. Real repentance is not mere self-improvement.

Myth 5: Repentance and Self-Defense Can Exist Together

This falls under the heading of, “I’m sorry I did that, but...” If you continue to make excuses and give reasons for your sin, you may need to question whether you are truly repentant for it.

Myth 6: Repentance Can Be Selective

We don’t get to choose the sins for which we will repent. God wants our whole lives conformed to the likeness of Christ, and not just some of our lives.

Myth 7: Repentance Eliminates the Consequences of Sin

This goes without saying, yet how often have we “repented” in our lives in hopes that it would undo certain sinful behavior in our lives? God may well graciously deliver us from some consequences and when he does, “Praise God!”

However, the consequences of our sin are not necessarily eliminated, even when we genuinely repent of our sin.

Question

Which of these myths did the servant in our story seem to buy into, whether he knew it or not? Explain your answer.