The Way to God and How to Find It · Chapter
Repentance and Restitution explained
Moody clarifies the true nature of repentance, distinguishing it from fear, feeling, fasting, remorse, conviction of sin, prayer, and merely breaking off one sin.
What happens
Moody clarifies the true nature of repentance, distinguishing it from fear, feeling, fasting, remorse, conviction of sin, prayer, and merely breaking off one sin. He defines repentance as a complete change of mind and direction—a 'right about face'—that leads to turning from all sin and toward God. He emphasizes that true repentance produces fruit, including restitution for wrongs done, and illustrates this with stories of individuals who made restitution and found peace.
Themes in this chapter
True Repentance
Moody defines repentance as a complete change of mind and direction, not merely fear, feeling, or remorse. It involves turning from all sin and producing fruit.
Faith and Belief in Christ
True repentance is linked to believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our offences and raised for our justification.
Human Inability and Divine Grace
Moody emphasizes that it is God's goodness, not our badness, that leads to repentance, and that restitution is necessary before receiving forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Moody
Preaches on repentance and restitution, offering counsel and examples.
- John the Baptist
His message was 'Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
- Jesus Christ
Took up the same cry of repentance and taught the parable of the two sons.
- Peter
On the day of Pentecost, preached repentance.
- Paul
At Athens, declared that God commands all men everywhere to repent.
- Judas
Had remorse but not repentance; his example shows the difference.
Key passages
“Repentance is not fear.”
Feeling afraid or alarmed does not necessarily mean you have repented.
Moody clarifies that fear alone is not repentance.
“Repentance is not feeling.”
Having strong emotions or feeling sorry is not the same as repentance.
Moody distinguishes repentance from mere emotional responses.
“Repentance is not fasting and afflicting the body.”
Going without food or punishing your body does not constitute repentance.
Moody rejects external rituals as true repentance.
“Neither is it remorse.”
Feeling guilty or regretful is not repentance.
Judas felt remorse but did not repent.
“Repentance is not conviction of sin.”
Being convicted of sin is not the same as repenting.
Moody notes that many are convicted but do not turn from sin.
“Neither is praying — Repentance.”
Praying alone does not mean you have repented.
Moody warns that prayer without turning from sin is not repentance.
