Joy-Based Repentance Selected Scriptures

Fear-based repentance makes us hate ourselves. Joy-based repentance makes us hate the sin. --Tim Keller

1.A Simple Definition of Repentance -- to turn around, to turn back -- to change your mind which results in a change of heart, action and will

Ezekiel 14:6 Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus, says the Lord GOD: Repent and turn away from idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations. Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out...ay to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

2. Is Joy-Based Repentance Biblical? Job 42:6 Therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes. UH-OH 

2 Corinthians 7:8ff For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Ezekiel 18:30-32 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions you have committed, and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; So turn, and live.

Acts 3:19-20 Repent and turn... That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

3. Hindrances to Joy-Based Repentance - Fear-based = Bad Theology - Hating Ourselves = Bad Experiences

“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said ‘Repent,’ he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance.” (Martin Luther, 95 Theses) “All of the Christian life is repentance. Turning from sin and trusting in the good news that Jesus saves sinners aren’t merely a one-time inaugural experience but the daily substance of Christianity. The gospel is for every day and every moment. Repentance is to be the Christian’s continual posture.” (David Mathis, desiringgod.org)

4. Fuel for Joy-Based Repentance - Immediately claim the Gospel promises, don’t wait - Know the Gospel, Pray it in, and preach the Gospel to yourself