Posted by Gary on February 24, 2005
I believe that one of the languages of heaven is repentance.
It’s not just for the non-neliever. When we humble ourselves and give up our own agenda repentance is the way to do that.
Look at all the people who exclaimed “I have sinned” Pharoagh, Baalam, Judas. None of these are presumably in heaven.
Saul is a great example of selfish repentance. After his disobedience he exclaiming “I have sinned” and the next words to Samuel were “yet honor me now before the elders of my people”. (1 Samuel 15:30) Saul was repentant because he wanted to avoid punishment.
Now compare that to David when confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba. David exclaimed “I have sinned” Nathan’s reply is “The Lord has put away your sin” (2 Samuel 12:13) What’s the difference?
Psalm 51:4 “That You may be found just when You speak and blameless when You judge.”
David wanted God’s reputation to be great. David knew he had given the enemies of God a reason to blaspheme. (2 Samuel 12:14)
True repentance bears fruit and brings a change. There is so much we could bring out of these two stories. Suffice it to say, If you want to draw near to God; come with true repentance. A change of mind, a turning away from old behaviour to the point of destroying the old way of thinking.
When we die to self and come back to the point where we walked astray we are speaking the language of heaven. Draw near to God and HE WILL draw near to you. James 4:8
