The Signs of the Times
June 28, 1905
The Results of Repentance
Repentance is one of the first-fruits of saving grace. Repentance includes sorrow for sin, and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin until we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life. Repentance is the only process by which infinite purity reflects the image of Christ in His redeemed subjects. ST June 28, 1905, par. 1
The great Teacher, in His lessons, presents the life-diffusing power of His grace, declaring that through His grace men and women may live the new life of holiness and purity. He who lives this life works out the principles of the kingdom of heaven. Taught of God, he leads others in straight paths. The working of the Holy Spirit in his life shows that he is a partaker of the divine nature. Every soul thus worked receives so abundant a supply of the rich grace of heaven that, beholding his good works, unbelievers acknowledge that he is controlled and sustained by divine power, and give to God the glory. ST June 28, 1905, par. 2
There are those who, notwithstanding all the gracious invitations of Christ, continue to reveal ungodliness in their lives. To such ones God says: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at My reproof; behold I will pour out My spirit unto you; I will make known My words unto you.” ST June 28, 1905, par. 3
The most striking feature of the covenant of peace that the Lord has made with human beings is the exceeding richness of the pardoning mercy offered to the sinner if he repents and turns from sin. “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,” the Lord declares of those who repent, “and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Does God turn from justice in showing mercy to the sinner?—No; God can never dishonor His law by suffering it to be transgressed with impunity. Under the new covenant, perfect obedience is the condition of life. If the sinner repents, and confesses his sin, he will find pardon. Forgiveness is secured for him by Christ's sacrifice in his behalf. Christ has paid the demands of the law for every repentant, believing sinner. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.... And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” ST June 28, 1905, par. 4
The atonement that has been made for us by Christ is wholly satisfactory to the Father. God can be just, and yet the justifier of those who believe. ST June 28, 1905, par. 5
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” By beholding Him, we may be changed into His image. The promise has been made, “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” Through disobedience man forfeited holiness, accepting in its place the principles of unrighteousness. But by breaking the yoke that Satan has fastened upon him, and taking the yoke of Christ, learning of Him His meekness and lowliness, man is created anew. Christ has promised to write in the heart of every repentant sinner His law, which is holy, just, and good. He promises to renovate the soul, through the medium of truth. He diffuses His own life through the entire being. Thus the sinner is born again, and henceforth, in a life of loving service, he is to work out the grand, ennobling principles that he can take with him into the heavenly courts. There is placed upon him a new mould of character, which the world knows not, but which all must receive who obtain entrance into the courts above. ST June 28, 1905, par. 6
Well may we count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. This knowledge is the highest science that man can study. It is the sum of all true science. “This is life eternal,” Christ declared, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” ST June 28, 1905, par. 7