Pre-Servants Class: Spiritual Theology

June 5, 2009

Repentance

What is Repentance

Metania – Transformation (change) of mind or attitude

1. Returning to God : “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Mal 3:7)

2. Reconciliation with God, compared to separation from God when sinning

3. Second baptism4. Death to Life (“Dead in trespasses” Eph 2:5)5. Freedom from sin (“whoever commits sin, is a slave of sin” Jn

8:34)6. Truly not returning to sin.

Anba Pishoy mentioned not committing the same sin twice.

Message of Christianity (St. John the Baptist)“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2)

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Lk 5:32)

“… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9)

“The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).

It is a JOURNEY towards life of purity.

Importance of repentance

1) Without it, we receive no salvation“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” Lk 13:3

2) Need to do it before any sacrament (e.g. communion)

Obstacles of repentance

1. Surroundings

2. Compare with people worse off

3. Delay

4. Despair

5. Self-Righteous (tax collector and Pharisee)

How to Repent

1. Examine yourself (how did I stray) After sin End of day/week/month/year Before confession

2. Think of Consequences of sinSeparation from GodDeprives you from peace, joy, (refer to previous hand out)

How to Repent

3. Do not postpone No guarantee you will want to later Don’t know the obstacles ahead Don’t know if you will live May get worse

4. Do not despair (all sins are forgiven)

5. Do not justify or make excuses

6. Do not harden your heart saying “This is my nature”

2 Parts

1) My part

2) God’s part (grace)

(Joshua and the Jordon River)(H.H. Pope Shenouda – saying)