Reflections on Repentance and Joy

God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.

- Romans 2:4b (NIV)

When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said, ‘Repent,’ he called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.

- Martin Luther

When we have understood, trusted, and received the freeing grace of repentance, rejoicing fills our hearts.  Without this joy that is our strength, the new obedience that should be the fruit of true repentance is impossible. … Knowing his pardon, we delight to serve him with a childlike love and a willing mind.  Repentance renews our joy.

- Bryan Chapell

President, Covenant Theological Seminary

When men neglect the offer of salvation and freeze in sin, this delights the devils, but when a soul is brought home to Christ by repentance this makes joy among the angels.

- Thomas Watson

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

- Luke 15:10