Let's start with Watson's definition: Repentance is a grace of God's Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed.
1) Have to SEE it as sin. It is so easy to overlook the obvious. If I don't see my sin the way God does and with the seriousness that He does, I am deceiving myself. One must first recognize and consider what his sin is, before he can be duly humbled for it. In the prodigal's repentance 'he came to himself' (Luke 15:17) He saw himself a sinner and nothing but a sinner. Where there is no sight of sin, there can be no repentance.
Ephesians 5:8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the world. Walk as children of light.
2)Have SORROW for sin. The Hebrew word for sorrow translates better "to have the soul, as it were, crucified" My sorrow for my sin must be more for offending God and making Him turn away from me, than for the loss or hurt of offending others. (insert Steph. previous quote)
Psalm 38:18 I confess my iniquity, I am sorry for my sin.
A true Pentitent labors habitually to work their heart into a sorrowing frame. This sorrow is not superficial, it is a HOLY AGONY, scripturally called a broken heart...
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart
2 Corinthians 1:9 But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
What has been my process of repenting in the past? I confess it has been lacking the most important beginning of SEEING my sin. If I can't see it, then how can I repent? I am asking for God to open my eyes and reveal my sin to me, and then help me recognize it as sin! The blessing of this, is the MAGNIFICATION of God's GRACE in my life!
