True Repentance, part 1

Most Christians know who Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot were. Both were apostles of Christ. Both walked with him and were taught by him for years. Both were given authority by Jesus to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons (Mt. 10:5-15). Both appeared outwardly in every respect to be loyal to Christ. Peter, after all was the one who professed Jesus as the Messiah (Mt. 16-13-20), and Judas was given charge over the money bag (Jn. 13:29). Yet both turned their backs on him. Judas betrayed him and Peter denied him. Upon recognition of their unfaithfulness, both showed remorse. Judas, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, “changed his mind” and attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver saying “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Mt. 27:3-4). Peter, after denying Christ three times, ran away weeping bitterly (Mt. 26:65). Yet only one was truly penitent. Judas threw down the silver and went out and hanged himself. Peter, on the other hand, returned to the disciples and afterward was restored to Christ (John 21).

How can it be that both were regretful and yet only one response led to reconciliation? How could Judas, being anguished by his sin to the point of suicide, not have received mercy from God? And if his sorrow did not lead to salvation, how can one be sure of the validity of his repentance?

I wish I could say that questions like these were common, but unfortunately there seems to be much confusion regarding the nature of repentance. Often it is viewed as a one time event of sorrow over sin and confession, but repentance goes far beyond grief and acknowledgment of transgression. Therefore, I thought it might be helpful to pass on a little insight I've been given on the nature of repentance in the hope that it may bolster our understanding and draw us to our knees as we endeavor to "keep to Christ in repentance and faith." To do this, we must first examine the distinction between worldly and godly grief. Second, we must explore the differentiation between penance and repentance. This will become increasingly clear as we identify the fruit of true repentance and then make a few personal points of application. I pray that we may truly mourn over our sin as we look upon the him whom we have pierced (Zech 12:10; John 19:37)and respond as Peter did, in an obedient and continual trust in the only true Savior, Jesus Christ.