Proposed as an offshoot from the thread "I'm trying: a stairway to heaven?" Jar and myself had gotten into a discussion about repentance and what that entails. This within a broader discussion as to whether salvation is a function of 'how hard I try'
Jar from msg 203 writes:
Repentance is more than just an acknowledgement that you screwed up. It is a multistep process.
recognize that you screwed up.
acknowledge that you screwed up.
feel sorry that you screwed up.
make a commitment to try to do better in the future.
actually try to do better in the future.
Those are the necessary steps in repentance. Nothing in there about asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness enters the discussion at only one point and is very much dependant on all five of the conditions for repentance.
This thread would be aimed at discussing what repentance is, both generally and within the overall context of forgiveness of sins and salvation. I've already agreed that the above steps are central elements in the process of repentance. I disagree that repentance is an internal, private subject and hold that repentance necessarily involves expression of the above elements externally: to the person who has or is being affected by your behavior.
Take a look at the last element mentioned by Jar. Actually trying to do better. Genuine repentance will truly want to turn away from a particular behaviour and must, in order to be considered genuine, employ all available means to achieve that goal. External repentance thus, is a necessity.
External repentance adds a new dimension to proceedings. External repentance means acknowledging bad behaviour to the offended party, acknowledging the hurt caused, acknowledging sorrow felt, acknowledging a commitment to cease and desist. Promising to do better.
By doing so, the offender empowers the repentance process. The offended is given a chance to flesh out the true consequences of the behaviour. The chances of 'doing better' can only be enabled if one knows what activites will lead to doing better. Only external repentance can provide that information
By 'going public', the offender leaves himself open to external observation as to his attempts to do better. Actions which the offender may not see as being part of the bad behaviour can be pointed out as being precursors to more serious lapses.
An external observer can also encourage and confirm that the behaviour is in fact improving and possibly offset the danger of trying too hard and going too far ...to the point where it all comes crashing down again. External encouragement is a powerful support to anyone trying to rehabilitate themselves
One aspect of repentance is attempting to achieve a goal: turning away from a particular behavior. Internal-repentance-only, fails to employ the fullest measure of what is available to achieve the goal it sets itself. (not least the offended getting being able define and limit the terms of reference). One would have to question the genuineness of a repentance that refuses to employ all that would help it achieve its aim
(one for F&B I reckon)
™ Version 4.2