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It seems that we often overlook the true rewards
of what the Bible refers to as repentance.

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The scriptures extol the virtues of faith,
perseverance and the doing of good, but upon

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careful reading we find that repentance can
be the most valuable

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of all the spiritual exercises.

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Biblical repentance refers to the transformation
of our attitude towards and involvement in sin.

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It is simply the process wherein we go from
loving sin to hating it; from the pursuit

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of its pleasures to the fleeing from its very
appearance.

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Sincere repentance brings a number of blessings
to the individual. For example:

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1. Repentance avoids sure punishment for sin.

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David says, "If a man does not repent, He
(God) will sharpen His sword" (Psalms 7:12).

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The clear indication here is that God prepares
a judgement (sword) for those who refuse to repent.

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2. Repentance leads to salvation.

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Paul teaches about a "…repentance without
regret leading to salvation" (II Cor. 7:10).

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We often forget that without repentance baptism
is void of meaning and effect.

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3. Repentance confirms our faith.

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John the Baptist called on people to demonstrate
their faith in the Kingdom to come by doing

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works "…worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:8).

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Strong faith is the wellspring for our joy
and peace, but sincere repentance is what

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keeps that source full.

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The first sign of new faith or growing faith
is a desire to "do better", to remove the

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old and take on a new attitude or action.

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This is the blessing of repentance working
in us through the Word and the Spirit.

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We shouldn't stifle or frustrate it but rather
should submit to our desire to repent

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and reap the rewards.

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Discussion Questions

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1. What type of sin do you find most difficult to repent of?

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2. What is the difference between repentance and restitution?

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3. Share some personal blessings that repentance has brought to your life.

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4. In your opinion, what are the marks of true and sincere repentance?

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5. How would you comfort a brother or sister who returns to the same sin repeatedly and doubts they can repent successfully?