Repentance can be hard to grasp, especially when it has been stored in mothballs for many years.  The average Christian today flinches when the word repentance is used.  It has been wrongly associated with fanaticism and even legalism.  It is regarded as negative and “hard sell” to confront the issue of self-in-control with a “surrender-to-the-leadership-of-Jesus message.”

A gift-based message feels so much more user friendly.  We have massaged the gospel of Jesus into a gospel of culturally acceptable benefits that remove the sting of repentance.  The result? Professing Christians who come to Jesus for help or relief, but not for leadership.  Is it any surprise that they regard actually following Jesus as extremism?

All God-ward choices do not carry the same value.  The “sick of it” and “sorry about it” people are not yet ready for the cross bridge.  The work of Jesus on the cross is designed to disarm our obsession with control not just forgive us.  Until surrender opens the heart to new management, nothing changes.  But when the seeker cries out, “I need a new leader, Lord Jesus, your kingdom come, your will be done”, repentance has arrived.  Then the pardon and merciful grace of the Savior can flood over the heart that welcomes Him as Lord.