Chapter Iii: The Parts Of Repentance
sin against Joseph and attributed their troubles to it. The Lord also declares in Hosea that He will go and withdraw until people acknowledge their faults and seek Him diligently in their affliction.
The Israelites said, "My soul remembers them" (referring to afflictions) "and is humbled within me." The example of Manasseh demonstrates this as well. When he faced tribulation, he prayed to the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly. David also declares,
"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes."
CHAPTER III:
THE PARTS OF REPENTANCE
Repentance consists of two parts: Mortification and Rising to newness of life.
Mortification is the initial part of repentance that involves turning away from sin.
When individuals turn from sin, it means they not only refrain from committing actual sins but also employ all means to weaken and suppress the corruption of their nature. Surgeons, when they must amputate a part of the body, often apply plasters to it to numb and deaden the area so that it can be removed with less pain. Similarly, we are to utilize all the aids and remedies prescribed in the Word that help weaken or eliminate sin, so that it may be abolished in its death.
It may not appear strange that I mention the use of means to mortify our own sins. Although by our nature, we cannot do anything that is pleasing to God, when we are quickened and moved by the Holy
Spirit, we are stirred and motivated to do what is truly good.
Therefore, repentant sinners possess the grace within them to mortify their own sins. Paul declares, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection." He also states, "Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Additionally, he instructs, "Therefore, put to death your earthly members: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness."
Furthermore, S. John affirms, "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure." And, "He who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him."
Mortification has three parts: a purpose in mind, an inclination in the will, and an effort in one's life and conduct to forsake all sin.
Rising to newness of life is the second part of repentance, which pertains to genuine obedience to God.
Similarly, it has three parts. The first two involve a firm determination in the mind and a desire or longing in the will to obey
God in all things. Barnabas exhorts the people of Antioch to "with purpose of heart, cling to the Lord." Numerous examples of these can be found in the Scriptures. Joshua said, "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." David declares, "O Lord, You are my portion; I have resolved to keep Your commandments." He also states, "I have sworn and confirmed it, that I will keep Your righteous judgments." Moreover, when God said, "Seek My face," David's heart responded, "Your face, Lord, I will seek." Furthermore, he affirms, "I have set my heart to fulfill
Your statutes always, even to the end."
The third part is the effort made in one's life and conduct to obey God. An example of this is seen in the life of Paul.
And in this regard, I strive to always maintain a clear conscience towards God and towards others. Like David, I have regard for all