“A great change” is a simple definition of conversion, the mighty transformation in which a lost and fallen member of Adam’s race becomes an heir of eternal life and heaven. No one is truly saved but he who is converted, therefore it is of utmost importance that one’s understanding of this vital doctrine be correct. The two aspects of conversion, repentance and faith, are like siamese twins; where one is found, the other must also be present, and to err in one is certainly to fail in both.
The first of these aspects of conversion, Biblical repentance, is little understood in this day of abounding easy-believism and carnal Christianity which accept any decision for Christ or profession of faith as meriting salvation regardless of the fruit that follows in the life. This woeful ignorance is reflected in the answers of many when asked the question, “Have you repented of your sins?” Typical responses are: “I am sorry for my mistakes.” “I try to do what is right, but no one is perfect.” “I think God understands me, and forgives my wrongs.” But lest men flatter themselves with opinions too good of their own repentance, God has left examples like beacons in scripture of spurious, or false repentance by reprobates who are now in hell. The repentance of Cain demonstrates that more than a change of mind about one’s sin, and an admission of guilt is necessary for salvation. Cain proceeded from saying to God regarding his brother Abel whom he had murdered, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9), to “Mine iniquity is greater than that it may be forgiven.” (margin, verse 13). Cain’s real concern, however, was not the greatness of his sin, but fear of the vengeance of his fellowmen, and when God set a protective mark upon him, Cain was content to live the rest of his life in forgetfulness of God, pleasing himself with the good things of earth. The repentance of King Saul reveals that strong emotions of guilt and shame for evil conduct are no guarantee of a changed heart and life. Twice David spared Saul’s life when it was in his power to kill his persecuting enemy, causing Saul at one point to cry out and confess, “I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.” (I Sam. 26:21). Yet Saul’s implacable hatred and envy toward David continued to the end of his tragic life which came about through despairing self-murder. The repentance of King Ahab testifies that outward reformation in conduct may also fall short of salvation. When the prophet Elijah forewarned this wicked king of God’s intention to cut off his posterity, Ahab “rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.” (I Kings 21:27). Notwithstanding these humblings for which God did delay sending His judgments, Ahab persisted in his idolatrous Baal worship and died in his sins. And the repentance of Judas shows that remorse and attempted restitution for sin may be for naught, for when Judas saw that Jesus Whom he had betrayed was condemned, he “repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” (Mt. 27:3-5).
The chief concern of the earnest seeker then becomes to understand and obtain true saving repentance. Such it is that causes him to pray from the heart like David, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:” (Psa. 51:4). Then grief for heart sins of unbelief and rebellion trouble him as well as fear of punishment, and his desire becomes to find pardon in the blood of the Lamb for all the sins that have sprung from these evil roots, and to become clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ. When these mercies are granted, continuing in sin against so gracious a Redeemer becomes an abhorrent thought. Reader, this is the true grace of God. Look to the glorified Son of God Who has power to impart His grace and truth to you.