True Repentance | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1856

True Repentance.

The publican, praying in the temple, was a true penitent, and as such was accepted and justified. The New York Evangelist analyzes the publican's prayer in the following manner. It indicated,

1. A sense of his own sinfulness. His entire deportment, as seen in the temple, is that of one oppressed with a sense of his guilt. His eyes were downcast. He smote upon his breast as an indication of the grief which reigned in his heart. He stood afar off from the ordinary place of prayer, as though he were ashamed of his sin, and troubled in view of it. In all these a sense of sin is very manifest, and fully accords with the tenor of his prayer.

2. A broken heart. Had not his pride been thoroughly humbled, he would not have come into that public place, and in the presence of the boasting and scornful Pharisee, have made the confession and prayer that he did. But his heart was so thoroughly impressed with a view of his guilt, that he obviously thought not and cared not who was present. God was dealing with him, and he was imploring mercy to cleanse, to pardon and to save his soul.

3. A purpose to abandon his sins. He came directly to God with his wants, and cast himself wholly upon his forgiving love. He made no pretense of good works. He pleaded no merit of his own. He evidently felt himself justly condemned, without defense. He could only come to God who is able to save, and as a sinner, beg for mercy.