The Blessings of Repentance

Repentance is often looked upon as a positive, but with a price. In reality, however, it’s a blessing to all those who truly turn from their sin. It is something that is a positive because it brings with it the blessings of refreshment.

Repentance brings refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

When we compare what Peter said with what he said earlier in his first sermon, these times of refreshing refer to the coming presence of the Holy Spirit within the life of a believer.

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

In both accounts we see repentance, the forgiveness of sins, and in Acts 2:38 when Peter said to “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” he compares it to “times of refreshing” from the Lord in Acts 3:19.

There is no better refreshment than the Holy Spirit.

Look at some of the benefits available through the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit is a believer’s seal of God’s guarantee of salvation, 2 Corinthians 1:22.
• The Holy Spirit helps believers by teaching them everything they need to know, John 14:26.
• The Holy Spirit leads and guides believers bringing help through God’s word and prayers, Romans 8:14, 26.

This was also King David’s prayer when he blew it with Bathsheba.

“Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” (Psalm 51:11-12)

And so repentance brings the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit.