Repentance, Remorse, and Regret
Repentance, Remorse, and Regret
Topic: Repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ, resulting in a life transformed by His grace.
The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," implies a change of mind and purpose.
Repentance is not merely an initial step in the Christian life but an ongoing practice.
The Apostle Peter, addressing the crowd at Pentecost, urged them to repent and be baptized: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38).
This call to repentance is echoed throughout the New Testament, underscoring its importance in the believer's life.
The Apostle Paul also highlights the transformative power of repentance. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "Do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
Here, Paul emphasizes that it is God's kindness that draws individuals to repentance, leading to a life that reflects His righteousness.
Repentance is characterized by a genuine sorrow for sin, a desire to turn away from it, and a commitment to follow Christ.
Godly sorrow vs. Worldly sorrow
The Apostle Paul describes godly sorrow as producing repentance that leads to salvation: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, BUT WORLDLY SORROW BRINGS DEATH" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
This distinction between godly and worldly sorrow is crucial, as TRUE REPENTANCE RESULTS IN A TRANSFORMED LIFE.
A. We excuse ourselves by passing the blame, or comparing ourselves to others, or our own values.
B. Even today mankind blames others, society, and lack of knowledge.
C. Adam and Eve admitted their rebellion, however they never repented.
Gen 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Gen 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Gen 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
Gen 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
Gen 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
D. In our spiritual walk, we often hear the words REGRET, REMORSE, and REPENTANCE used interchangeably.
However, Scripture makes clear distinctions between these terms. Understanding their differences can deeply affect how we respond to sin, failure, and God's call to transformation.
While all three may involve sorrow, ONLY ONE—REPENTANCE—LEADS TO TRUE RESTORATION AND SPIRITUAL LIFE.
I. The Difference Between Repentance and Remorse
Unlike remorse, which focuses on feelings of regret, true repentance emphasizes actionable change and a continuous effort to turn away from sin.
a) Don’t confuse sobbing with repentance, for although tears and emotions may come with remorse.
b) Some people don’t tear up. True repentance is a transformative process that involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to follow God’s ways.
II. The Difference between Repentance and Regret
Essentially, regret focuses on the past, whereas repentance is about making a positive change moving forward.
Regret is the feeling of wishing you had made a different decision due to unfavorable consequences, while repentance involves recognizing wrongdoing, feeling contrition, and committing to change one's behavior for the better.
Worldly regret can lead to despair and hopelessness, as it lacks the redemptive element of turning to God for forgiveness and renewal.
Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, experienced deep regret but did not turn to God in repentance. His regret led to despair and ultimately to his tragic end (Matthew 27:3-5).
III. The Evidence of True Godly Repentance.
1. A Change of Heart
It is not merely an emotional response or a verbal confession but involves a profound transformation.
God promises in Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you."
A changed heart leads to changed desires, priorities, and attitudes toward sin.
2. True repentance is seen in the fruit it bears in the life of a believer, reflecting Humility
True repentance fosters humility, as the person recognizes their own weakness and the need for God’s mercy.
They no longer justify themselves OR COMPARE THEIR SINS TO OTHERS. Instead, they humbly accept the consequences of their actions.
3. True repentance begins with a deep sorrow for sin, recognizing it as an offense against a Holy God.
In 2 Corinthians 7:10, Paul writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
A repentant heart openly acknowledges sin before God. In Psalm 32:5, David exemplifies this by saying, "Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and You forgave the guilt of my sin."
4. They Make Amends
When possible, true repentance seeks to make amends for wrongs committed. Zacchaeus, upon repenting, declared in Luke 19:8, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold."
5. They Accept Consequences
When the thief on the cross repented, he said to his companion, “Do you not fear God? . . . We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve” (Luke 23:40–41). And Jesus commended his repentance by assuring him of his salvation: “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
6. They Feel the Depth of the Pain they’ve caused
A repentant person won’t try to minimize, downplay, or excuse what they’ve done.
They won’t point to all their good works as if those actions somehow outweigh or cancel out the bad.
They’ll view even their “righteous acts” as “filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). They won’t shame the offended party for being hurt or angry. They won’t blame their victims or other people for making them sin.
RATHER, THEY’LL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, ACKNOWLEDGE THE DAMAGE THEY’VE DONE, AND EXPRESS REMORSE.
7. A Desire for Reconciliation
A repentant individual seeks to restore broken relationships, where possible and is willing to do what it takes to rebuild trust. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
TRUE REPENTANCE INCLUDES A COMMITMENT TO HEALING RELATIONSHIPS.
Examples of True Repentance
David: After his sin with Bathsheba, David’s heartfelt repentance is captured in Psalm 51, where he pleads for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit.
The Prodigal Son: In Luke 15, the parable of the prodigal son illustrates repentance through the son’s return to his father, acknowledging his sin and seeking forgiveness.
Nineveh: The people of Nineveh, upon hearing Jonah’s message, demonstrated repentance by fasting, wearing sackcloth, and turning from their evil ways (Jonah 3:5-10).
Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:1-22
On the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus encountered the Lord. Saul knew very well who Jesus Christ was. But up until that time Saul did not believe that Jesus was the Redeemer promised by God. That day, on his way to capture Christians and take them to prison, Saul saw Jesus for who He really was.
The man who had brought so much persecution to the early church was redeemed by the love of Christ. Saul was later known by the name Paul. This is the man who we call the Apostle Paul. He was responsible for spreading the true Gospel of Jesus throughout the known world in his time
Conclusion
Repentance is the act of turning from disobedience to God with intentional obedience.
Repentance is not a one-time act but a continual process of turning to God, letting God lead you in your walk
Repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ, resulting in a life transformed by His grace.
Repentance brings healing, peace, serenity:
Between ourselves and God
With ourselves
With others around us
Repentance is a step that helps realign us with God’s image and likeness.
