Command 1: Repent
Study Question
Command Index
Q: Since Esau could find no place of repentance for simply selling his birthright, why did David find repentance for adultery and murder?
A: The answer to this question reveals the true nature of repentance. Esau was a profane fornicator. He refused to follow God’s ways, but was deeply grieved over the loss of the blessings that came with his birthright. He was only repenting to regain what he had lost.
On the other hand, David was a Godly man who loved the Lord. His sins separated him from God, and he repented to restore that broken relationship. This is true repentance.
Jesus did not come to restore the blessings that were lost by the sin of Adam and Eve. He came to restore the relationship that was broken by their transgression. If we repent for any other reason than wanting to restore and maintain an intimate fellowship with God, we are missing the true meaning of repentance.
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This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 1, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.