Required reading
Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson (available from - Finish reading Chapter 4 (Ingredient 6) and read all of Chapter 5.
Today we conclude chapter four look at the sixth and final ingredient of repentance: Turning from sin.
(i) be a turning with the heart;
(ii) be from all sin;
(iii) be based upon a spiritual ground;
(iv) turn unto God;
(v) have no return;
Three uses of turning from sin are included at the end of the fourth chapter.
Chapter 5 looks at the reasons why we should repent:
(i) God's sovereign command;
(ii) The pure nature of God denies communion with an impenitent creature;
(iii) Sinners continuing in impenitence are out of Christ's commission;
(iv) We have by sin wronged God;
(v) If God should save men without repentance, making no discrimination, then by this rule he must save all.
What grabbed me
Watson concluded chapter five looking at two types of people who will find it harder to repent than others. One is 'Those who have sat a great while under the ministry of God's ordinances but grow no better. The earth which drinks in the rain, yet "beareth thorns and briars, is nigh unto cursing" (Heb 6.8). There is little hope of the metal which has lain long in the fire but is not melted and refined. When God has sent his ministers one after another, exhorting and persuading men to leave their sins, but they settle upon the lees of formality and can sit and sleep under a sermon, it will be hard for these ever to be brought to repentance.' It is a horrible thing to think that there are many who sit in churches week after week experience spiritual blessings but instead of softening are hardening.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
(i) God's sovereign command;
(ii) The pure nature of God denies communion with an impenitent creature;
(iii) Sinners continuing in impenitence are out of Christ's commission;
(iv) We have by sin wronged God;
(v) If God should save men without repentance, making no discrimination, then by this rule he must save all.
Watson concluded chapter five looking at two types of people who will find it harder to repent than others. One is 'Those who have sat a great while under the ministry of God's ordinances but grow no better. The earth which drinks in the rain, yet "beareth thorns and briars, is nigh unto cursing" (Heb 6.8). There is little hope of the metal which has lain long in the fire but is not melted and refined. When God has sent his ministers one after another, exhorting and persuading men to leave their sins, but they settle upon the lees of formality and can sit and sleep under a sermon, it will be hard for these ever to be brought to repentance.' It is a horrible thing to think that there are many who sit in churches week after week experience spiritual blessings but instead of softening are hardening.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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