A Word on Repentance #
By Andrey Denisov
“Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” These words are written in the Holy Gospel.
Just as, after a dark and gloomy night, the sweet light of day shines forth, and after a blizzard in the dead of winter comes a fragrant stillness that brings comfort to living creatures and peace to those sailing the sea, so also, after the darkness of sin and the storm of the passions, when the light of the fear of God shines in the soul and the fragrance of repentance fills the air, then the springtime of grace dawns, and the flowers of virtue bloom in such a soul.
For this reason, it is fitting to speak briefly to your love about the blessed and ever-remembered gift of repentance.
It is taught—and truly so—that there is repentance for those who sin even after holy baptism. The Lord Himself spoke of it in the Holy Gospel: “There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” And when the prodigal son returned in repentance, the Heavenly Father received him with unspeakable mercy and restored to him his former place as a son. Thus, there is repentance for those who sin after baptism.
What is repentance?
Repentance is the renewal of baptism, the correction of one’s life, deliverance from eternal death, cleansing from sin, confession of all wrongdoing, renouncing the will of the devil, union with God, freedom from eternal torment, and the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Where does repentance come from?
From God. For every good thing comes from God. Repentance is a good thing, and therefore it comes from God. By God’s mercy, help, and calling, a sinner is enlightened and comes to repentance, and by the fear of God he performs repentance, as it is written: “By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” And repentance is born from a contrite and humble heart: “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Why is repentance given?
Repentance is given because God commands the sinner to repent. It is the pursuit of the freedom that was received at baptism and lost through sin. Repentance cleanses from sin, delivers from the torment of the devil, frees from eternal punishment, and makes one worthy to inherit the heavenly homeland.
How great is repentance?
Repentance is immeasurably great, for it brings the forgiveness of even the greatest and heaviest sins. It delivers from the cruel yoke of the devil and pours out God’s abundant mercy on the one who repents. It raises up the one who has fallen many times and cleanses him, as it is written: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”
What is the nature of repentance?
Repentance is wondrous. It enlightens the soul darkened by the night of sin like a radiant light; it warms the heart chilled by iniquity like the sun; it brings sweet fragrance to one who had been fouled by the mire of sin; it cleanses like soap, as it is written: “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
When does repentance occur?
The Lord receives those who repent at all times. Every day, repentance cleanses the sinner. But especially, according to the tradition of the Church, the mystery of repentance is performed during the holy fasts. In these sacred days of fasting, the sinner is washed clean through repentance, fasting, and prayer, as the Holy Gospel says: “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Where is repentance found?
The mystery of repentance is found in the Orthodox Church. In every place, the one who repents before the goodness of God receives forgiveness, as it is said: “In every place of his dominion.” Manasseh, though bound in iron chains, repented and called on God—and he was heard. The thief on the cross repented and called upon God—and became a citizen of paradise. Therefore, repentance, wherever it is performed, saves the one who repents.
What is it like?
Such is saving repentance: the one who repents, with a contrite heart and a humble soul, with God-loving reverence and heartfelt sorrow for sins formerly committed, confesses before the Lord God and before an experienced spiritual guide, as before a physician, revealing the wounds of sin and receiving the healing that brings salvation. Thus is true repentance accomplished, according to the Scripture: “I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my heart.”
What accompanies it?
It is adorned with other good works. For the one who repents, in order to be cleansed from sin, accepts penance, sheds tears, continues in fasting, multiplies prayer, performs acts of mercy, offers obedience, shows love for brethren, bears one another’s burdens, forgives offenses of friends, releases debts owed by those who have wronged him, and thus prays with boldness: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” And together with these good deeds, saving repentance cleanses and washes the one who repents, according to the sacred word: “Wash you, make you clean.” And as the Apostle James says: “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Such is the radiant power of repentance: a grace-filled illumination, a God-given cleansing, the restoration of those who have fallen, the healing place of the broken, a refuge for the faint-hearted, a harbor for the despairing, a balm for wounds, and the vessel of hope for all who bear the name of Christ.
Therefore, all who love God are bound to treasure this saving medicine: ascetics—for the cleansing of the stains of their failings; those who fast and pray—for the washing away of harmful habits; the pure and virgin—for the healing of passionate or hidden wounds; the obedient and diligent—for the healing of the murmuring that darkens their toil; the self-centered and weak-spirited—for the lifting up from frequent stumbling. Whatever sins one has been defiled by, let him confidently enter the cleansing and saving bath of repentance and run with longing to the merciful Father, who lovingly receives all, and cause joy among the angels through repentance for Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory unto the ages. Amen.