In the Greek New Testament, there are two words translated "repentence" in the King James version. The first is metamellomai, and it is concerned with an emotional change focusing more on particulars, and even implies regret more than remorse. This word is used regarding Judas Iscariout (he "repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver"). Now it is obvious that the son of perdition's repentance was not effectual to work salvation.
The other word translated "repent" is metanoeo, which implies far more than did metamellomai. This does imply the sincere form of repentance intended by the author of this article. Strongs defines repentance thusly: "To change one's m,ind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrance of one's past sins."
That's the key- "abhorrance of one's past sins." That doesnt mean we wont sin as believers-- alas, I do far too frequently!!! This instead shows that we have a proper outlook on sin-- God's outlook. God is not some cosmic Santa Claus with a "boys will be boys" philosophy about sin. Sin is rebellion against God-- and it merits damnation. Thanks be to God that in His sovreign mercy he choose to provide a means of salvation! He is able to be "just, and the justifier." (Romans 3:26). The means were drastic, however-- "Being justified freely ... through Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation by faith in His blood." (Romans 3:24-25). Sin is so serious, that God in order to justify those whom He would save, He had to kill his Son. His Son had to subject himself to one of the cruelest forms of execution ever imagined-- and it was the Creation that crucified the Creator!!!
I think the author is right-- in the churches today, we have too cavilier an attitude about sin. Moral relativism and the heresies expounded from the pulpits of too many churches are damnable.
Hosea 14
Israel Restored at Last
1 O Israel, return to the LORD your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity;
2Take words with you,
And return to the LORD.
Say to Him,
"Take away all iniquity;
Receive us graciously,
For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.
3Assyria shall not save us,
We will not ride on horses,
Nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, "You are our gods.'
For in You the fatherless finds mercy."
4"I will heal their backsliding,
I will love them freely,
For My anger has turned away from him.
5I will be like the dew to Israel;
He shall grow like the lily,
And lengthen his roots like Lebanon.
6His branches shall spread;
His beauty shall be like an olive tree,
And his fragrance like Lebanon.
7Those who dwell under his shadow shall return;
They shall be revived like grain,
And grow like a vine.
Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
8"Ephraim shall say, "What have I to do anymore with idols?'
I have heard and observed him.
I am like a green cypress tree;
Your fruit is found in Me."
9Who is wise?
Let him understand these things.
Who is prudent?
Let him know them.
For the ways of the LORD are right;
The righteous walk in them,
But transgressors stumble in them.
Joel 2
15Blow the trumpet in Zion,
Consecrate a fast,
Call a sacred assembly;
16Gather the people,
Sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders,
Gather the children and nursing babes;
Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber,
And the bride from her dressing room.
17Let the priests, who minister to the LORD,
Weep between the porch and the altar;
Let them say, "Spare Your people, O LORD,
And do not give Your heritage to reproach,
That the nations should rule over them.
Why should they say among the peoples,
"Where is their God?"'
The Land Refreshed
18 Then the LORD will be zealous for His land,
And pity His people.
19The LORD will answer and say to His people,
"Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil,
And you will be satisfied by them;
I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.
20"But I will remove far from you the northern army,
And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land,
With his face toward the eastern sea
And his back toward the western sea;
His stench will come up,
And his foul odor will rise,
Because he has done monstrous things."
21Fear not, O land;
Be glad and rejoice,
For the LORD has done marvelous things!
22Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field;
For the open pastures are springing up,
And the tree bears its fruit;
The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
23Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the LORD your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you--
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.
24The threshing floors shall be full of wheat,
And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.
25"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.
26You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the LORD your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame.
27Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:
I am the LORD your God
And there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.
RETURN!
I saw Lindale, TX at the bottom of some of the webpages. Brother Wilkerson had a camp there, used for various needs. I visited there in the late 70s, and got to play some music with the guys in Dallas Holm's group (Rise Again was one of his popular Christian songs). They were a wonderful group of people!
That sermon is a blessing, may all of us take it to heart. Amen.
If you join the Jewish religion, you could have a whole 10 days dedicated to repentance and atonement. We are in Rosh Hashana right now. Still time to join before the blowing of the Shofar on Yom Kippur! :o)