The results of repentance and faith are difficult to separate, since these two foundations are united in regeneration. Nevertheless, certain results can be attributed to repentance: joy in heaven, pardon and forgiveness, the reception of the Holy Spirit, and the beginning of a new lifestyle.
Joy in heaven.
There is joy in the presence of the angels of God, as well as in the heart of God Himself, over the repentance of sinners.
“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. . . . Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:7,10).
Forgiveness and pardon.
Repentance prepares and qualifies us to receive God’s forgiveness and pardon. Repentance in no way earns God’s favor. In His grace and mercy, He has promised to forgive and cleanse us when we open ourselves to Him in repentance. As He does this for us, we experience a deep inner peace, and assurance-we know our sins have been washed away.
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
Reception of the Holy Spirit.
When we repent, God pours out His Spirit upon us and gives us spiritual understanding of His Word. Once we have made the decision to “do” His will, we “know” whether the teaching or doctrine has its origin in God or not. Know this, though you God gives you capacity, it does not come without proper training in theology. Many people take the first step toward this promise but fail to take the second.
Repentance is a part of preparing and cleansing us as a vessel to be filled with the holy presence of God in the person of the Holy Spirit.
“Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you” (Prov. 1:23).
New life patterns.
Repentance is the beginning of a lifelong turning to God. After our initial turning from sin to God, there is a progressive repentance that continues throughout our whole lifetime as God separates us to Himself. During this process, which the Bible calls “sanctification,” we are made aware of things that displease God and must be changed. Our response is to repent when He sheds His light upon these things.
Little by little, we are changed into His image as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit.
In this process, two things happen:
- We are finished with sin, and
- We are growing in holiness.
“having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (II Cor. 7:1).