Christ Giving the Gifts of Repentance and Forgiveness

Repentance is like Christ drawing open the curtains of our soul—letting in the light of life and forgiveness.

Devotional Credit: eManna
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Today’s devotional from Witness Lee brings us face-to-face with two priceless gifts many overlook: repentance and forgiveness. These are not mere responses from us—they are gifts from Christ Himself, given from His exalted position as our Leader and Savior.

Acts 5:31 makes it clear that Jesus, having been raised and exalted to the right hand of God, now gives repentance and forgiveness—not only to Israel but also, as Acts 11:18 reveals, to the Gentiles. This is not something we muster through effort or religious zeal. Left to ourselves, we would never turn. It is Christ’s loving capture—His sovereign kindness—that leads us to repentance and wraps us in His forgiveness.

The devotional reminds us that only Jesus holds the authority and worthiness to offer these eternal gifts. We were not wise or noble enough to choose repentance—He caught us, drew us, and gave us new life. What a relief to know that even our turning toward God was initiated by Him. Praise the One who rules and saves, giving both repentance unto life and full forgiveness of sins.

✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

You did not choose Me because you saw clearly or acted wisely—I drew you. I caught you not with force, but with kindness that disarmed your resistance and opened your heart. I gave you the gift of seeing yourself truthfully—not to shame you, but to lift you from the shadows into My marvelous light.

I am the One who gives repentance. I am the One who awakens your soul and turns your gaze toward Me. Without Me, there would be no turning. I exalted My Son not just to reign but to rescue—to give life where there was none, and forgiveness where guilt had stained every corner.

You now walk in the light not because you found the path, but because I placed your feet on it. Repentance was My invitation, not your invention. And forgiveness—it was never earned, only received, because of My Son’s sacrifice.

Be at rest, beloved. You are not sustained by your resolve but by My generosity. I lead you, I keep you, and I rejoice over you with gladness. Keep walking with Me—not to earn My favor, but because you already have it.

Scriptures referenced: Acts 5:31; Acts 11:18; John 15:16; Romans 2:4; Isaiah 30:21

🧺 Real-Life Analogy

It’s like waking up in a dim room, eyes adjusting slowly. At first, you see little—but then someone gently opens the curtains. Light pours in. You didn’t make the sun rise or draw back the curtain. But now, with the light shining, you see everything clearly. That’s what repentance is—Christ pulling back the curtain so you can see your need for Him, then bathing you in the warmth of forgiveness.

🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence

Lord Jesus, I praise You for being both my Leader and my Savior. You have drawn me, not because of anything in me, but because of everything in You. Thank You for giving me repentance as a gift—not a work, but a grace. And thank You for the fullness of forgiveness that followed, washing over me and declaring me clean. I rest today, not striving to stay in Your favor, but rejoicing that You have made me Yours forever.