Dr. Brandt defined sincere repentance as a process involving five aspects which blend into a genuine spiritual turnaround. Five prayers illustrate this process:
- “God, I am wrong.”
- “I am sorry.”
- “Forgive me.”
- “Cleanse me.”
- “Empower me.”
The articles below will help teach you how to offer genuine repentance. (Note: Each article will open in a new browser window. To return to this page after reading it, simply close the new window.)
Peace through Repentance
One of the toughest things to do when we’re wrong is to admit fault to ourselves, and admit to the Lord that we’ve sinned. Sin is not a very popular word these days, and it’s an even harder behavior to admit when it is your own. But the good news is that sin is the simplest thing to deal with! (read more)
Is Feeling Guilty the Same as Repentance?
Perry Black was the production expediter for a printing firm, a bachelor in his 30s, and lonely. He hurried to do what was required of him if asked by someone he liked; if asked by someone else, his feet seemingly were of lead. He gave the impression that he was always available and willing to do anything at all to be helpful, but admitted it was just an impression. He actually hated to be disturbed. (read more)
A Dark Secret
Annebel was pathetic, depressed, on the edge of tears, overwrought. She had seen several psychologists, a psychiatrist, several pastors, and a famous evangelist. No one could help. Her condition was the result of a great tragedy, which was told to me by a friend who spoke for Annebel. About six months before, Annebel’s family was on their way to a Saturday picnic. They had forgotten the picnic basket. She stayed at the park to reserve the picnic table while her husband and two children returned home for the basket. No one knows what happened. There were no witnesses. A train struck their car at a railroad crossing and all three were killed. (read more)
Living a Lie
A woman in great distress, seeking peace for her soul, told me her story. When she was twelve years old, her mother left her father for another man. Her father was an irresponsible drunkard. This twelve-year-old child, the oldest of six children, was faced with seeing the family broken up or assuming the responsibility of mother to her siblings. She assumed the responsibility and successfully managed to get through high school as well as take care of the family. Neighbors, teachers, church people, and the community helped. She kept the house and the children clean and neat, got everyone off to school, and made sure they went to church. Every Sunday the six of them marched down the aisle of the church, occupying the same pew. She received the admiration and affirmation of many for the fine, sacrificial job she did. (read more)
The Need for Repentance
Bill and Jan Stanton lived in a long, rambling nine-room ranch house on a three-acre beautifully wooded tract of land. The swimming pool in the backyard, the two expensive cars in the garage, the neatly landscaped yard all added up to the obvious—total success. (read more)