Stages of repentance

BEC Recordings newest band All Things New released their first single titled New Man recently, I love the song not just because it is beautifully performed and arranged but for the message which pretty much sums up the journey and stages of repentance.

I’m trying to walk as a new man,
I want you to show me who I am…

Oh God have made me new, You’ve restored my heart,
and turned this ashes to life. Oh God, you have pulled me through,
and everything I was is gone,
and washed away for good. I’m a new man in you.

What is true repentance?

True repentance entails going through the three stages of repentance. Most times we just go through phase one, while neglecting the rest of the phases. Other times we go through stage one and two and think we are good to go.

So what are the three stages of repentance?

• Stage One

The first step on the road to repentance is to agree with God that what you have done is wrong, i.e., that it is “sin” (1 John 1:9). This may be experienced as Godly sorrow and/or a change of heart regarding your sin (2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Kings 8:46-47). As a result, you will feel compelled to confess in your mind and with your mouth that you have sinned (2 Samuel 12:12-13).

• Stage Two

The second step on the road to repentance is to actually turn from your sin (2 Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 3:8, Acts 26:20). That means that you make a quality decision to stop doing the sinful thing you have been doing and then follow through on your decision and stop doing it. This is where the genuineness of your commitment to your decision is tested and proven; it’s the really hard part. Without turning, your confession is, at best, questionable and to no avail.

• Stage Three

The third and most rewarding step on the road to repentance is perseverance. It is common experience to be tempted to return to some of our old, sinful ways after we have turned from them. Unfortunately, it is also common experience to give in to such temptations by choosing to do so (James 1:13-14). To really conquer sin means not only to confess and turn from it initially, but also to persevere in our repentance to the end.

I’m certain you’ll agree with me that these three stages of repentance is what make our repentance true and permanent.

P.S I will be doing an artist spotlight on All Things New pretty soon. Make sure you check them out. Below is a video of their single “New Man.” Their new album is in stores now, you can also get it on Amazon.