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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Change Your Mind?
Samuel Butler wrote: “The obstinate man does not hold opinions, but they hold him.”
Have you ever known a stubborn, obstinate person? One who has not changed his mind in years, and “the facts don’t matter?” Sure you have. Some changes are easy. You can change your clothes, your politics, your hair, your address and your phone number—even your name. But a change of mind? Not easy.
But, just as Butler said, that’s when your opinions control you, not vice-versa. Can you imagine how hard it was for Saul of Tarsus to change his mind about Jesus? Taught at the feet of Gamaliel, reared in Tarsus of Cilicia, with a measure of stature among the Jews, Saul just knew Jesus was an imposter; a liar; a false prophet. He had caused many of these “Christians” to be brought to Jerusalem and put on trial for their “blasphemous” behavior. How could Saul even contemplate the possibility of being wrong? But he was.
Being objective, looking at the facts, the teachings of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, the many followers—how could they all be wrong? Were they superstitious fools? Was he being careful…or stubborn?
What did it take to convince him? Later, Paul the Apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:8:
“Last of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
That event, recorded in chapters 9, 22 and 26 of the book of Acts, gives us information vital to anyone who wants to have his sins forgiven even today. The truth is, if one is saved today—or any time or anywhere—he will be saved, have his sins forgiven and receive the hope of eternal life in the same manner as did Saul of Tarsus.
He would also write in Romans 10:17 that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” For Saul, or anyone who is a candidate for salvation today, that will demand a “change of mind,” and that is just what is meant by the word “repent.” What a significant principle is seen here, but how often misunderstood it is.
Some only hear “I’m sorry” in a definition of sin. But scripture says sorrow for sin is what produces repentance. Note the Holy Spirit’s instruction in 2 Corinthians 7:10: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
“Godly sorrow” is contrasted with “sorrow of the world,” in that one is sincere while the other is feigned, only a sorrow of being discovered. And note that repentance follows this “godly sorrow.”
This biblical “process of repentance” is as follows:
- Recognition of sin. How can one have true sorrow for sin if he is never able to recognize and be willing to admit his sin? It may be that preachers and teachers do not make clear what sin is and the magnitude of sins’ consequences. The person who has sinned in a public way must be made aware of the far-reaching influence sin can have. When he becomes aware of his sin, he must then be willing to “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,” James 5:16. Then forgiveness is possible.
- Regret, sorrow for sin. This “godly sorrow” for sin is so strong that it will lead a person to repent. This is a prelude to that change which is of the mind and life. Without “godly sorrow” there will be no genuine repentance.
- Resolve, or “change of mind toward past behavior.” The word is a joining of two words in the original language, change and mind/heart. The person who genuinely sorrows for his sin is willing to change not only his mind, but also his behavior. He resolves to make the changes necessary to be forgiven. He is determined to quit all his sin. There are no loop-holes in biblical repentance.
- Reform, or change of life. When John the Baptist spoke of this, he said “bring forth fruits meet [or appropriate] for repentance,” Matthew 3:8. It was not enough to come for John’s baptism, but the one who is truly penitent must be ready to finish his work, to make whatever change is necessary to make things right. If one has stolen a man’s money, car—or his wife, repentance means making the restitution “meet for” repentance.
Any one of these steps alone will not bring forgiveness. Saul of Tarsus changed from opposition to Christ to preaching Christ. Recognition—Regret—Resolve—Restitution. The hardhearted must become tenderhearted. That’s what it takes!
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Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish,”
“They ceased not…from their stubborn way,”
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