0492. The Threefold Marks of Repentance

The Threefold Marks of Repentance

"I acknowledged my sin onto Thee, and mine iniquity hare I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah" (Psa_32:5).

1. "I acknowledged my sin unto Thee." "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

2. "Mine iniquity have I not hid." What man covers, God uncovers. What man uncovers, God covers.

3. "I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord." "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

How glad we should be that there is a way out from the anguish and misery described under the preceding subject. What we need to do, when we have sinned against God, is to approach the throne of grace, and to say unto the Lord: "Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously."

There are seven distinct men in the Bible who said, "I have sinned," but four of them said it under pressure. Achan said, "I have sinned," when his sins had found him out. Pharaoh said, "I have sinned," because he was alarmed by the terrific thunderings, lightnings and hail which the Lord had sent. Saul said, "I have sinned," but immediately excused his sin. Balaam said, "I have sinned," and then went right on with his sinning. None of these met the requirements set forth by the three words of our key verse.

David said, "I have sinned," he neither hid his sin nor did he continue in sin. He acknowledged his iniquity, he confessed his sin and he followed his Lord. The prodigal son said, "I have sinned," and he arose and came to his father. Whenever sin, iniquity, or transgression is acknowledged as David acknowledged his, as the prodigal son acknowledged his, there is always joy restored. When the father saw the prodigal son a great way off, he ran and fell upon his neck and kissed him. He killed the fatted calf and made merry. Oh, the blessedness, the joy of him whose sins are forgiven. Let no one hide his sin, for to such God says, "I will bring you down, saith the Lord."

God will surely discover the one who seeks to hide from Him. The darkness shall not cover him, for the night shall be light, and the darkness as noon time unto Him.

When sin is all acknowledged, and

Transgressions are "confessed;"

Then peace and joy once more is found,

And happiness expressed.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR