Comment: Repentance formed the kernel of the teachings of Christ and the early apostles. At the commencement of his ministry, Jesus Christ taught the people saying: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17). Unfortunately, there are some people who scoff at genuine repentance or penitence; they wallow in sin and go to the church house to make huge donations as atonement.

It is vital to state here that such donations are done in vain as far as they are not done in the fear of God. It was for this reason that Samuel asked King Saul, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) God said through Jeremiah the prophet: “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people” – Psalm 50:9; Jeremiah 7:22,23.

To repent means, “to turn a new leaf”, “be sorry”, to forsake one’s evil ways, be “a new creature”. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17). Earlier, David, a prophet and king said: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17). And King Solomon, too, stated: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13.