Repentance calls for Sincerity, not Perfection
The commandments given by Jesus set a high standard for the Christian. Jesus alone saved us from our sins when He died on the cross and rose again, atoning for our sins and conquering the penalty of death once and for all. (John 3:16-17, Colossians 1:15-20) Being born again under Christ, the New Adam, we now live with the Spirit guiding us and setting us apart. (Ephesians 2:1-10)
But how do we address our current temptations and sins as born again Believers? Christ instructs us to ask the Father for forgiveness of our sins when we pray, indicating that the Lord knows we will continue to screw up as flawed humans. (Matthew 6:12) Yet Christ also says we’ll know true Christians by how they keep His commandments. (Matthew 7:15-23)
John lays out a similar tone in his first epistle. He first calls out that all humans are guilty of sin and need the cleansing of Christ, and anyone claiming otherwise is dishonest. (1st John 1:8-10) At the same time, John plainly states that one who continues to live in sin is not a true follower of Christ. (1st John 2:3-6)
Like most theology, there have been extremes on how to understand and apply these passages from Scripture. Some may suggest that since we are saved by faith in Christ alone, our repentance and works can be treated almost as if it’s optional. Others may seek perfection in their actions, constantly critiquing themselves and others for any little mistake made.
This is a complicated area of discipleship, and everyone is in a different place. There are many Christians who may need a pastor or mentor to give them some accountability and call out blind spots in their life that need to be addressed and changed. But there are also many Christians who feel like nothing they do is good enough for God, and they fear God is always disappointed in them for still struggling with sin in different ways.
Honoring with our hearts, not just our lips
Repentance is a center theme in the 2nd century sermon known as 2nd Clement. About halfway through the writing, the author explains to the congregation what true repentance looks like:
“While we have an opportunity of being healed, let us yield ourselves to the God that heals us, and give to Him a recompense. Of what sort? Repentance out of a sincere heart; for He knows all things beforehand, and is acquainted with what is in our hearts. Let us therefore give Him praise, not with the mouth only, but also with the heart, that He may accept us as sons.”
I personally believe 2nd Clement describes how we should understand the mercy of Christ with the call to obey Christ. God knows our hearts, the good and the bad. (Psalm 139:1-5; Matthew 9:4) Treating a confession of our sins to God like an obligated transaction is not the kind of confession acceptable to God. But if we sincerely humble ourselves before God, acknowledge our sins, and lay them at the feet of Christ, we can be released from its bondage and move forward.
Instead of beating ourselves up every time we screw up, we can humbly go to the God who loves us so dearly everyday and confess our need for Him and ask for guidance and protection from such temptations. (Matthew 6:13)
We should take repentance seriously, as Christ takes the call to repentance seriously. But true repentance is not legalistic, nor is it about suddenly “having it all together”. Sincerity, humility, and surrender to Christ is the repentance we are called to. And thank God it is, because we don’t have to rely on our efforts!
Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. -1st Timothy 1:5 (CSB)
Bibliography
Schaff, P. (2016). The Complete Ante-Nicene, Nicene, and Post-Nicene Collection of Early Church Fathers. Toronto, Canada.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Thumbnail image: The Pharisee and the Publican, from Tetraevangelion, 12 century, Manuscript illumination, 220 x 150 mm [page], The National Library, Athens, Greece, Codex 93, fol. 127v, Heritage Image Partnership Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo
https://thevcs.org/x/pharisee-and-tax-collector/pharisee-and-publican-5376