Luke 15-16 | Lifelong Repenters

“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! ‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:17-20)

Following Christ always involves repentance. That foundational word means a change of mind that is so profound it produces a change of direction. Anything less is not repentance. This is not only a necessary element in our initial salvation but the continual posture for the maturing Christian. We are to be lifelong repenters.

COMING TO YOUR SENSES

The prodigal had turned from his Father. It was never the Father who moved, but the son. In the same manner, we have all, like sheep, “turned to our own way.” It can be an aggressive, evident turn like the prodigal or a quieter, but proud self-focus like the second son in this story. Although one looks more sinful, each is just as guilty and just as separated from God.

By God’s grace, God convicts us of our sin. We have not begun the turn until a change of mind occurs. “What I’m doing is wrong and foolish. I must return.”

TURNING

Repentance has not fully occurred until there is enough conviction that we are willing to humbly get up and return to God. If we come, grumbling as if this is a duty, or blaming others, or making excuses as to our sin, we have not come to repentance that will last.

Paul speaks of this as a “godly sorrow … that produces a repentance without regret” (2 Corinthians 2:10). Without this, we may feign repentance, but we are always looking over our shoulder, still enamored with our sin.

HONEST CONFESSION

The prodigal was complete in his confession. He took personal ownership. He knew he had sinned against God and man and freely admitted it. He knew that he deserved nothing and was not worthy of the Father’s mercy.

GOD’S RESPONSE

... to real repentance is always forgiveness. He is the One who is, by His grace, initiating this return by His convicting Spirit. He has everything to gain by our return. But the greatest motivation for His acceptance is the perfection of His love.

It’s hard to understand, but God loves us. Fully, completely, as evidenced by the cross of His Son. He is waiting to restore us to the fellowship and sonship He has designed us for.

Father, I’m overwhelmed that You’re always waiting. Thank You for Your convicting hand. Thank You for Your forgiving and restoring hand. As often as I sin, help me to fully repent.