Greg Laurie daily devotion - Jan. 1, 2013

Remorse or Repentance?

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

There is a difference between repentance and remorse. Remorse is being sorry you got caught. For example, if you were to rob a bank, get away with it for awhile, and then are arrested, you are remorseful. Why? Because you got caught.

Or, as you are driving down the freeway and get pulled over by the highway patrol, you are remorseful. Why? Because you got caught, not because you broke the speed limit. That isn’t repentance; that is remorse. Repentance is being sorry enough to stop what you are doing and change your behavior.

Judas Iscariot was remorseful about his betrayal of Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent. He knew what he did was wrong. And if he was repentant, he still could have turned to Jesus. But instead, he turned to the religious leaders.

And what did that do for him? They said, in effect, “You know what? What is that to us? That is your problem. You have served your purpose. Get out of here.” That is so typical of this world. It promises freedom, but it brings slavery. It promises enjoyment, but it brings guilt. Instead of happiness, it brings sorrow. Instead of pleasure, it brings pain. Judas did not have a friend in the world except Jesus, and he betrayed Him. So Judas turned to religion, and religion had nothing to offer him. He needed Christ.

Religion is like getting a Band-Aid when you need open-heart surgery. We don’t need a little religion, because a little religion—or even a lot of it—won’t help us. We need a lot of Jesus.

Where will your guilt drive you? If you feel guilt for your sin, here is where you need to go: to Christ. That is the only place to go.

Summary sentence: Do you know the difference between godly sorrow and remorse?

Tags: Repentance, sorrow, remorse, salvation

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

SPECIAL OFFER

The 2013 Riches in Christ Calendar will be sent to you in appreciation for your gift to Harvest Ministries this month.. 

“True riches, according to the Bible, are secured in heaven, where moth and rust can’t destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal. True riches are found in Jesus Christ.” --Greg

The 2013 Riches in Christ Calendar displays twelve of the most precious gems in the Christian’s crown. Clean, colorful, and practical, this resource is not only beautiful, but uplifting and useful as well. Also included is a bonus mini-calendar for your desktop, purse, or pocket.