The Ballestero Blog

Here’s Proof You Haven’t Repented, If…

For some, it is easy to say, “I’m sorry.”  Yet nothing much in the way of permanent change is ever evident in their actions. That is NOT repentance.  Godly Repentance ALWAYS brings change. Permanent change.

The process of repentance makes little difference whether it is to God or to your spouse. Repentance is displayed in the same manner.

The seven ways everyone shows the fruit of their repentance is outlined in God’s Word. The Bible never misses.

Here Are The Two Reference Points God And Christians Use To Define The Actions Of One Who Is Repentant:

• The Bible
• Watching how the repentant person acts after they say I’m sorry.

Read These Two Verses Very Carefully:

2 Corinthians 7:10 for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The first main point is, Godly Sorrow. That will determine the end result. Godly sorrow will always bring Salvation (in regards to God) and Restoration (in regards to your spouse.)

Look at verse 11. There are seven major points that prove and verify your claim of repentance. If these all are not in place, your repentance is void and hollow.

Proof Number One

What Carefulness It Wrought In You

IF you have repented you are very careful. You know what your problem (sin) is, and what your weaknesses are.

If you’ve repented to God, you are careful not to go where you would be tempted to sin. For example, if alcohol is your addiction and you have repented, you will carefully avoid your old haunts and drinking buddies.

If you’ve repented to your spouse, and are sorry for your unfaithfulness (whether actual or emotional), you would be careful to delete all inappropriate email addresses from your contacts and all cell phone numbers from your phone that should not ever have been there.

You would avoid all further contact and conversation with them because you are doing your best to be careful and find salvation for your marriage.

If you have repented, you will become very careful.

 Proof Number Two

What Clearing Of Yourselves

If you have repented, you willing take all the blame. You quit pointing fingers and making accusations. You will not even try to justify yourself, but you will profusely apologize and that… often.

You will make right all the wrongs you can. You will pay back; you will restore, and repair the wrong.

If you have repented you will clear yourself.

 Proof Number Three

What Indignation

If you have repented, you will get mad at what Satan has done to you, to your marriage, your home, your reputation and to your future.

If you still justify yourself, you can never get mad at how stupid you were to allow the devil access to your thoughts and actions.

If you have repented, you will get mad at the devil.

 Proof Number Four

What Fear

If you have repented, your every day life will be forever guided by fear.

You Will:

1.     Fear And Reverence God

2.     Fear Eternal Judgment

3.     Fear Falling Back Into Satan’s Trap

If you have repented, your every step will be guided by the fear of God.

Proof Number Five

What Vehement Desire

If you have repented, desire will immediately surface. If you have repented from your sins, you will certainly have a desire to be at God’s House. Those Christians who are unfaithful in their church attendance show everyone they lack a good repentance experience.

If you have repented to your spouse, you will not be lackluster in your feelings and emotions towards them. You will experience a vehement desire to be with them. You world will no longer just be about you.

If you have repented, you will have a vehement desire.

 Proof Number Six

What Zeal

If you have repented, your enthusiasm will immediately show. Everyone will know. Zeal is hard to hide.

If you have repented to God, you will be zealous in living for Him

If you have repented to your spouse, your zeal towards them and supplying their physical and emotional needs will automatically show.

If you have repented, your zeal will show.

 Proof Number Seven

What Revenge

If you have repented, you won’t waste your storm. Not only will your reformed life be a slap in the devil’s face, but also you will do your best to save others from his grasp.

If you have repented, you will have revenge on the enemy of your soul.

If these seven things are evidenced in your life, then…In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Here’s Proof You Haven’t Repented, If… these seven things aren’t apparent in your life and actions.

Matthew 3:8 “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance”

Now, Go Repent And Then Do The Right Things.