“Do not sit down and try to pump up repentance from the dry well of a corrupt nature. It is contrary to the laws of your mind to suppose that you can force your soul into that gracious state. Take your heart in prayer to Him who understands it and say, "Lord, cleanse it. Lord, renew it. Lord, work repentance in it." The more you try to produce penitent emotions in yourself, the more you will be disappointed. However, if you believingly think of Jesus dying for you, repentance will burst forth.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Charles H. Spurgeon emphasizes the futility of trying to force oneself into a state of repentance. He suggests that instead of attempting to manufacture feelings of penitence, one should turn to God in prayer and ask for His intervention in cleansing and renewing the heart. Spurgeon believes that true repentance can only come from a genuine belief in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and that by focusing on Christ's sacrifice, repentance will naturally follow. This quote stresses the importance of humility and surrender in the process of repentance, highlighting the need for reliance on God's grace rather than self-effort.
Understanding the Power of Repentance
In today's fast-paced and often self-reliant society, the concept of repentance may seem outdated or irrelevant. However, Charles H. Spurgeon's words remind us that true repentance cannot be manufactured through our own efforts. Instead, he urges us to turn to the Divine and pray for a cleansing and renewal of our hearts. By focusing on Jesus and His sacrifice for us, Spurgeon suggests that genuine repentance will naturally flow from this belief. This timeless message serves as a reminder of the power of faith and surrender in the process of repentance.
Example of Usage
Charles H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of turning to the Lord in prayer for true repentance, rather than trying to force emotions of penitence on our own. Instead of struggling to pump up repentance from within ourselves, he advises believers to bring their hearts to God and ask for His cleansing and renewal. By focusing on Jesus' sacrifice for us, true repentance will naturally flow from our hearts.
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on these words from Charles H. Spurgeon, it's important to consider how we approach repentance in our own lives. Here are a few questions to ponder:
- How do I typically approach repentance in my life? Do I try to force myself to feel penitent emotions, or do I rely on prayer and the grace of God?
- Am I able to truly surrender my heart to God and ask Him to cleanse and renew it? In what ways can I deepen my trust in His ability to work repentance in me?
- Have I experienced the power of thinking of Jesus dying for me in igniting true repentance in my heart? How can I incorporate this mindset more consistently into my spiritual life?
- What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of repentance and reliance on God's grace in my daily walk with Him?
Similar quotes
“If repentance were perfection, none of those people repented. Repentance, however, means recognizing Jesus' authority and submitting to it, even though you know your heart is weak, divided, and pulled in conflicting directions. Repentance includes a plea for God to change your inconsistent divided heart. (Psalm 86:11; Mark 9:24)”
“One thing I must tell you preacher is to let go of the old life you were living before you repented, because they are playing a greater role in your life than your life as a believer.Since you have repented, you need to remove your old self like a garment and put on your new self so that you may not continue to deceive yourself or be living a double lifestyle and be arrested by death or the coming of the LORD.”
“Repentance can become a very, very deep phenomenon in you if you understand the responsibility. Then even a small thing, if it becomes a repentance-- not just verbal, not just on the surface; if it goes deep to the roots, if you repent from the roots; if your whole being shakes and trembles and cries, and tears come out; not only out of your eyes but out of every cell of your body, then repentance can become a transfiguration.”
“What can God do for a liar who refuses to repent? Can the Lord save him? He can’t claim salvation. Baptizing him in water will not settle the trouble, unless you keep him under.”
“Repeat to yourself every day and as often as you can: ‘O Lord, have mercy on all those who will appear before You today.’ For every hour, every second, thousands of men leave this world and their souls appear before the Lord, and no one knows how many of them leave this earth in isolation, sadness, and anguish, with no one to take pity on them or even care whether they live or die. And so your prayer for such a man will rise to the Lord from the other end of the earth, although he may never have heard of you or you of him. But his soul, as it stands trembling before the Lord, will be cheered and gladdened to learn that there is someone on earth who loves him. And the Lord’s mercy will be even greater to both of you, for, however great your pity for the man, God’s pity will be much greater, for He is infinitely more merciful and more loving than you are.”