'Penitence' is the shame, regret, and self-reproach one feels over past sins. It refers to a contrition that not only seeks to make amends but is the impetus for change. When you are honest about your soul's dark condition, the Gospel of Jesus Christ becomes the lifeline ...
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
It is vital that we understand the difference between 'remorse' and 'penitence'. A person can feel badly about his sinful behavior yet not bend his knee to the One who willingly paid its steep cost ...
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Worldly sorrow is merely a 'self-serving' reaction, an emotional response to the consequences of sin. Godly sorrow sees iniquity through God's eyes, and how repeated offenses cripple a believer's walk of faith.
The crushing weight of guilt is assuaged when the penitent sinner comes before the throne of grace ...
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Catholics believe that penitence is a list of religious requirements that must be performed to 'pay' for sin. But no matter how many rituals one observes, the only thing that can 'redeem' a lost soul is the blood of Jesus ...
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
To insist that there is a need for further self-castigation is a vain religious doctrine of men. We are in effect saying to God ... "What Jesus did on the cross is sufficient to pay for all the sins of the world - except for mine. I must help Him by punishing myself until I've decided that the debt is satisfied."
That is not penitence; it is a twisted form of pride.
True penitence gratefully accepts pardon while looking into the face of the One who paid it all.
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