Hebrews 6:7-9 "For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (8 ) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (9) But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak."
The writer had just told these Hebrews (and us) that there is no true
repentance based on their own works. Repentance does not come as a result of
simply saying, "I'm sorry." True repentance does not come as a result
of being sorry for getting caught. True repentance does not come as a result of
"turning over a new leaf." True repentance does not come as a result
of having "another chance" to do better. True repentance does not
come as a result of keeping the law. In fact, he says it is impossible to
have true repentance as a result of any of these things.
What does God have to say about our works, based on our own ability or righteousness?
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are
as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the
wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) Not only will our works, on their
own merit, NOT bring us closer to God, they carry us away.
So, how do we accomplish true repentance? The writer says, "But,
beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany
salvation." What are the "better things" of which he
speaks? Well, they are things that accompany salvation. Repentance is one of
those things.
We know, and occasionally need to be reminded.... Repentance is not
merely turning away, but it is turning to... Turning to and acknowledging, by
faith, the true righteousness of Jesus Christ as our only righteousness.
Repentance is not an attitude of "Look at me. I'm doing so much better
now." Rather, repentance is turning to Jesus with a broken heart because
of sin. David spoke of it in this manner: "The sacrifices of God are
a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not
despise." (Psalm 51:17)
Stay tuned.... We will see He is indeed the anchor of our soul and the only One
worthy of our trust and confidence. He says, "Come unto me..." That
is true repentance!