The importance of Repentance (Part 6)

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By Charles E. Wigg

The result of that experience was to be life-long. It removed all ground for boasting, the memory of what he was, kept him humble all his days. Perhaps the lack of true repentance at conversion has resulted in the manifestation of pride amongst God's people today. Perhaps that is why some brethren are so ready to quarrel with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Is it because of this that so many are prepared to go back on what they have solemnly vowed to do, in the presence of God, and of many witnesses when they were married? Perhaps this is the reason for such a shallow sense of the abhorrence and the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that we find in so many today, even though they profess to be saved.

Do children need to repent? When the Lord Jesus took the little children in His arms, He blessed them. As He rebuked His disciples, he commanded, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven". Matt. 19:14, Mark, 10:14, & Luke, 18:16. He says nothing here about the need of repentance. The reason for this is that He is speaking about 'little children'. It will be obvious to all of us that when children are very little, they are innocent little creatures. A.W.Tozer once said that something of the image of God still remains on such. But when they reach the years of responsibility, and they begin to exercise their own wills, that image recedes and the image of fallen Adam begins to show itself. It is true that every child of a human father inherits the fallen nature of Adam. That nature begins to show itself when any person chooses deliberately to sin. Thus it follows, that a child that has been saved early in life, has not had the exposure to the world of sin. Though a sinner by nature, yet they have not yet become involved in gross sins, and thus there is not quite the same need for repentance, that older and more obviously sinful people may require. But nevertheless, when the Holy Spirit awakens a little child, they too become aware of the need for repentance. This is what the conviction of sin produces. I have seen more than one child weep their way to the foot of the cross, to confess their guilt and need, and to find relief and salvation through faith in Christ.

Perhaps we should lay greater emphasis than we do, even in our dealings with children, on the need of repentance. So often children are urged to "Ask the Lord Jesus to come into their hearts". Even if they do this, it will probably become evident later in their lives, that their judgement of sin deepens, and they will come to a deeper knowledge of Him, and show a greater love for Him.