Repentance is usually defined as turning from sin to God through faith in Jesus Christ. But true repentance is more than just a change of direction. It also involves sincere sorrow toward God as the One our sin has offended (Psalm 51:4). Biblical repentance is a change in direction flowing from a change of heart.


One of the things I found most difficult to do as a new Christian was confess the crimes for which I’d never been caught. As I studied God’s Word, I became convinced that I should turn myself in for a series of robberies I’d committed before being arrested. On one hand, I knew what real repentance required. But on the other, I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in prison.


One day as I knelt beside my bunk in prayer,
I realized I’d rather die in prison with Christ
than live in the “free world” without Him. Peace flooded my soul. I wrote letters to the authorities confessing my crimes – only to learn that by law I could no longer be prosecuted! Perhaps you, too, would rather choose Jesus. His open arms are waiting for you.