“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”” – 2 Timothy 2: 19 

Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:15-19

When explaining what repentance is, we can summarize it as turning, turning around. It means getting off the wrong road and turning on the right road. There are four things that make repentance true and genuine. Repentance involves 1) conviction of sin, 2) sorrow for sin, 3) change in behaviour, and 4) hope in God.

Being convicted of your sin means that you realize that what you’ve been doing is not right and that it is evil in the sight of God. To be sorrowful means that you feel badly for having sinned. In ancient times, this sorrow was expressed through fasting and wearing sackcloth (very itchy and scratchy dark-coloured material made from goat or camel hair, used to make grain sacks). The king of Nineveh ordered a fast and wearing sackcloth for all the citizens to show their sorrow for sin. Thirdly, the change in behaviour means a change of course in your ways. For the Ninevites, it meant turning from their evil and violent ways and calling out mightily to God (Jonah 3:8).

Lastly, repentance also involves hope in God. The Ninevite king said, “Who knows? God may turn and relent from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish” (Jonah 3:9).

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the Lord that we do know that God is willing to turn and relent from his fierce anger, as He has demonstrated this to us at the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.