Human Response 654: Repent and Determine to do Good

Job 34:31-32 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more. That which I see not teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

Elihu is right in calling for repentance and turning, but he is wrong in accusing Job. Job in the end does repent after God speaks to him, but here he still maintains his innocence. Surely it is good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places confess sin and make a commitment to stop sinning and do better. Ask the Lord to use the Law to show you sins you did not even know about. Repent daily and turn to God. For Christ’s sake He forgives and the Spirit uses that power to change our ways and turn to God for help.

We have a better chance of actually turning and changing in response to the Gospel than in response to the Law. The Law shows us our sin to lead us to the Gospel, but does not give the ability to repent. The Gospel gives the power to repent and turn. Romans 2:4 “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” The Law changes the mind and admits that God is right and I am wrong. The Gospel changes the heart and grants the desire and power to do better.