As pointed out in the first two parts of this series of articles, the work of salvation is completely out of our hands, and entirely in the hands of God. Through the call of the Gospel, and His act of choosing us and making us alive to believe and receive the Gospel (regeneration), we are graciously brought to the point of believing what Christ has done on our behalf, and trusting our very lives to His completed work at Calvary. However our salvation does not end here, for us to idly sit back, embrace the ways of the world, and wait for Christ to return for us. Rather it is the very beginning of our walk with the Lord, and it is a path that we should tread reverently with all fear and trembling, remembering full well it is really a path we have no right in walking, save alone for the grace and mercy of God Himself.
For those who would consider themselves to be a Christian, and yet display very little fear of God in their lives, and do not acknowledge what He is able and willing to do to those who mock Him, I suggest you listen to these words very carefully:
So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” ———
——But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.
(Romans 11:5-8 & Romans 11:17-22)
The sorrow of the worldly is directed in a selfish manner, usually producing an attitude of self pity that tends to blame others for the predicament that our own sinful desires place us. However Godly sorrow is of an entirely different nature. The believer is convicted of their own sinfulness and selfish ways, and made completely aware how this attitude has grieved the Lord and Saviour they so love and desire to follow. It is from this place of harsh realisation, that the true believer will desire to put away all that offends the Lord, and instead seek to replace their own ways with His ways, by the power of His Spirit. This attitude of repentance and faith towards the Lord is both the beginning of conversion, and the process by which the believer is transformed from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ Himself.
[edited to add:]
Repentance is a product of Godly sorrow, that a desire to turn away from sin and embrace His righteousness becomes manifest within us. The outcome in the believers life will produce three notable differences:
1. An understanding that God’s ways are perfect, and are perfectly displayed to those who believe through Scripture. The Bible as a whole becomes the living and personal revelation of the Father in Heaven to those He has chosen, that they may be completely instructed in His ways of life and godliness.
2. A realisation that Christ Jesus is the perfect revelation of God incarnate. Everything about Him is life and truth, and He is the only way to peace with Almighty God. Faith in Him, and trust in His completed work on our behalf is the only thing that saves us from the Wrath of God for all eternity.
3. A growing trust and reliance will become evident in the life of the believer, upon the Holy Spirit who was sent by God as our Helper. It has nothing to do with bizarre spiritual manifestations, but an understanding that without Him we will always fail, but with Him and by His strength and wisdom, we begin to walk in victory, for the glory of Jesus Christ, and the Father in Heaven.
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