Repentance

The doctrine of repentance is prominent throughout scriptures, especially in the gospels. John the Baptist began his public ministry the same way Jesus did, with a call to repentance. The gospel of Mark, the earliest of the Gospel writings, includes this profound statement by Jesus: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel.”

Repentance is generally understood as a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In a religious context it refers to acknowledging sin, confessing to God, and ceasing sin by resolving to live a more responsible and holy life. It also typically includes an admission of guilt, a promise or resolve not to repeat the offense. Usually repentance includes an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong wherever or whenever possible.

Jesus made it clear that repentance is a requirement for faithful discipleship. What does repentance involve? The word literally means to “turn around,” to take a different course. One modern translation of this Mark passage helps us understand the word repent more clearly in implying that it means to: “change the way you think and act.”

Lent is a season which calls for self-examination of one’s life in light of the way Jesus taught and lived. When we do, we are confronted with the reality that we have sinned – missed the mark. But Jesus also reminded us that we can move beyond sinful and selfish ways by repenting and choosing to live more faithfully according to the way Jesus taught through self-giving servant love.

Confession

I confess that “confession” often is hard to comprehend and accept as a part of life’s reality. In some ways the concept of confession is depressing for it requires us to take a hard look at our lives. We’d rather avoid it, and focus instead upon more positive images. Yet the Lenten season asks us to take a look in the mirror and honestly reflect on who and what we see. Confession is not about taking comfort in how good we are, but recognizing how we have failed to be all God desires us to be.

The Old Testament begins by reminding us that we were created in the “image” of God. (Genesis 1:27) In Psalm 8, the psalmist states we have been “made a little lower than angels” and “crowned with glory and honor.” (vs. 5) Jesus told his disciples, “Love one another as I have loved you…by this you will be known as my disciples.” (John 13: 34-35) John reminds us, “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8) The apostle Paul wrote: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Against the background of such scriptures it is easy to recognize that we have fallen short of the glory of God and therefore confession becomes necessary. And the good news is that we if we own up to our our sins, our failures to be faithful and obedient to God’s will and purposes for our lives revealed in Christ, God is forgiving and willing to offer us a clean slate. John expresses this promise of renewal this way: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

True confession is a step toward restoring our broken relationships with God and one another, and can lead to more holy living. The Lenten season does not take on its fullest potential and meaning until we encounter the ongoing role of confession in our lives. Confession is one of the roads we must travel to have a holy Lent.