Godly sorrow

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(Thomas Sherman, "Aids to the Divine Life--A Series of Practical Christian Contemplations" 1680)

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

As sin is the greatest evil--so sorrow for sin is the greatest sorrow.

Godly sorrow in a saint is the greatest sorrow, being that which flows from faith, whereby we see sin to be the greatest evil--as exemplified in the crucified Savior!

True repentance is a continual work. So long as we have sin to repent of--so long we must be repenting of sin.

The believer's sorrow for sin becomes more evangelical than formerly; for whereas, before there was much of self-love, and fear of wrath and Hell in his mourning; now, having a clear view of the love of God in pardoning him, and of the distinguishing grace and favor of God extended to him--he comes to mourn, loathe, and abase himself more deeply than before, and to melt with filial sorrow before the Lord--that he should act so unworthily and unthankfully towards such a gracious, tender, and loving Father. "Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done--you will remember and be ashamed." Ezekiel 16:63

The believer's hatred of sin becomes more refined.
He hates sin on account of its defiling nature--as well as its damning nature!
He hates sin for the evil that is IN it--as well as for the evil that comes BY it!
He hates sin not only because it is ruinous--but because it is wicked!


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