by Thomas Brooks
"Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:25
Repentance is a turning from sin (the most darling sin) to God. It is mighty work, a difficult work; a work which is above our power. There is no power below that power which raised Christ from the dead, and which made the world—which can break the heart of a sinner, or turn the heart of a sinner!
You are as well able to melt adamant—as to melt your own heart! You are as well able to turn a flint into flesh —as to turn your own heart to the Lord! You are as well able to raise the dead and to make a world—as to repent! Repentance is a flower which does not grow in nature's garden!
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good, who are accustomed to doing evil." Jeremiah 13:23 Repentance is a gift that comes down from above. Men are not born with repentance in their hearts, as they are born with tongues in their mouths! It is not in the power of any mortal to repent at pleasure.
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