PRASD, Part 1--Device 6

Device 6--Satan will persuade you that repentance is an easy thing to do; why bother yourself over this particular sin when you can quickly repent of it soon after.

"Suppose you do sin, says Satan, it is no such difficult thing to return, and confess."

Remedy 1

Remember always that repentance is a mighty work, beyond our power to work.

Only the power of God can break the heart of a sinner and turn it form its course. Repentance is a gift that comes down from above.

Remedy 2

Solemnly consider the nature of true repentance

Note: Here Brooks discourses for a while on the nature of true repentance. He wrote a long treatise on the nature of true repentance. I will summarize it as quickly as I can.

The act of repentance: "It is a turning from darkness to light."

The subject of repentance: "It is the whole man, both his heart and life."

The terms of this change: "From which and to which...The heart must be changed from the state and power of sin, the life from acts of sin, but both unto God."

Some things that repentance includes: A sight of sin, sorrow for sin, hatred of sin, hatred of ourselves for sinning, and great shame for sin.

Aside...how often to we hear preachers teaching their congregations that they should hate themselves for their many sins? But then, how often do we even hear sermons on repentance at all these dark days...

Remedy 3

Remember that repentance is a continuous act, not an isolated act.

The very word repent implies a continuation, it is a course of life. True repentance is a continued stream.

Remedy 4

Remember that to repent of sin is as a great a work of grace as to not sin in the first place.

Just as much zeal is required to repent, as is required to abstain from sin.

Remedy 5

Remember that the one who whispers in your ear, telling you that it is easy to repent, is the one who will fill your minds with thoughts of your unworthiness, making your repentance difficult.