More Thomas Watson for you. He begins his discussion of repentance by explaining what counterfeit repentance is.
The first deceit of repentance is legal terror. If pain and trouble were sufficient to repentance, then the damned in hell should be most penitent, for they are most in anguish. Repentance depends upon a change of heart.
The “change of heart” he alludes to here is not what we intend when we say, “I was ready to quit my job, but had a change of heart.” No, this is a change of nature.
Another deceit about repentance is resolution against sin. Resolutions against sin may arise:
- From present extremity; not because sin is sinful, but because it is painful. This resolution will vanish.
- From fear of future evil.
- The leaving of many sinful ways. Sin may be parted with, yet without repentance.
He concludes the discussion with this gem:
True leaving of sin is when the acts of sin cease from the infusion of a principle of grace, as the air ceases to be dark from the infusion of light.
How about that?
{ 0 comments… add one now }