For good, permanently, never to return. All of these seem extreme. Well to repent, they are necessary. It is one thing to ask for forgiveness, and something else to be repentant. Repentance is being sorrowful and regretful for that which was done. There is the feeling that wrongdoing had occurred. For forgiveness, there is a seeking from another to understand and say it is okay for the actions taken or not.
As I read this morning in Acts of Paul speaking to the Ephesian elders, I see that he was leaving them. He was giving a final charge and letting them know that he would not “see” them again as he understood the direction he was headed. He would likely meet dire consequences for moving on, and wanted them to know that it was necessary anyway. Paul had given and would continue to give for the good of others. He was dedicated to the spreading of the gospel and would not apologize for it. He was leaving for the good of others to continue spreading God’s word.
I know, this seems as though I am rambling and how does it fit with repentance and leaving and spreading God’s word. Well here is my attempt to speak it in understanding. I have a duty to God and that duty begins with repentance. I have to fully turn away from where I am and turn to God.
“21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Acts 20:21 (ESV)
Here Paul is telling the elders of the turning toward God. I have to remember that my eyes are to remain on Him and that means that they cannot be on what is behind me, my past and failure to Him. I have to make a permanent split from my old ways and move on to live with God. I may have to move on physically and leave behind others in the name of Christ and His glory. I may have to make that permanent split from a current location never to return for I am moving forward for His glory.
Repentance is about permanence, for good, always, and forever. I have to move forward and away from the past fully and devote to God as I do so in order not to allow my eyes to turn back.
What have you asked for forgiveness for only to return to the same actions later? Are you simply asking someone to say it is okay and they understand? What if you were to look forward, repent and expect that it is permanent and for good and for always?
Trevor's Thoughts 