2 Corinthians 7:10

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death ~ 2 Corinthians 7:10

It is important to remember Paul is talking to Christians here, not to the unbeliever, and it is a demand to bring to repentance our sins. We sin, and as such, we must repent, just as should all people. In the experience of sin, Christian or not, repentance is required. And we who know Christ, if we commit sin, until we repent, are not in a saved condition. Repentance is not sorrow for sin which results from the inconvenience of being “found out”. Repentance is a change of the will with regard to sin. It means I will leave it behind me and not return to it. Recognition of the sin must be acknowledged before God and so must His will for our life. Repentance does not take us from God, but toward God. Worldly sorrow comes from the viewpoint of worldly consequences. Worldly sorrow does not look to God for pardon. They look to the world for their value, and when they are disgraced among people, or see their names tarnished, and comforts erased, they grieve. But this type of sorrow ends right here in the world. It destroys peace, it breaks the spirit. It leads to eternal death. Repentance that leads to salvation moves us toward life; life here in its fullness and life eternal with our God. All the primary steps of obeying the Gospel such as faith, repentance, confession and baptism all lead toward salvation, God, Christ and the remission of our sins, forever.

Devotion by Pastor Julia