Here’s the good news: Jesus always accepts those who repent and believe the gospel. This is the Christian way. This is how we entered the Christian life (Mark 1:15), and this is how we continue in the Christian life (Gal 2:20). If you are still in your sin, hear this word: “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). Be wise, and don’t be ashamed to repent. 

Isn’t it strange how the things that make us seem most foolish to watching eyes are the very things we are afraid to turn away from lest others think us foolish? Sin makes us look foolish. Yet, when we are convicted because of that sin, we are hesitant to repent. The fear of man makes us ashamed of repentance. But we should never be ashamed to repent. Why then do we hesitate?

Deceit

To repent is to turn away from and change our mind about sin. I think some of the reluctance to repent comes from hiding sin that is in our lives. But that’s a misunderstanding. If you are currently hiding sin, let me tell you, you are only deceiving yourself. You’re not as good at hiding that sin as you think. Maybe folks don’t know the specifics, but they know something’s not right. And even if you’re better at hiding sin, “be sure your sin will find you out.” It will not be hidden forever. There is coming a day when, “according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus” (Rom 2:16). And let’s just say that you have successfully hidden your sin from men. You’ve only succeeded in promoting a false version of yourself. Yes, you are seen as respectable, but it’s a counterfeit version of yourself. You are not actually respectable, you are just a liar.

Pride

We can also be reluctant to repent because we are embarrassed to admit that we’ve been wrong. But how silly is that?

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