Two Repentances - Abraham Plammootil
Proclaiming the Full Purpose Of God - Bangalore Conference 2012
Summary
The message centers on understanding 'repentance without regret,' which the Bible states comes from sorrow according to God, unlike the sorrow of the world. The speaker contrasts two biblical accounts involving women anointing Jesus with expensive perfume—one in Luke 7 involving a known sinner, and another in John 12 involving Mary, the sister of Lazarus. By analyzing the context of these two distinct stories, the speaker aims to clarify what true, Godly repentance looks like.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Repentance without regretThe message centers on repentance without regret, a phrase found in scripture where Godly sorrow leads to salvation while worldly sorrow leads to death.2 Corinthians 7:10
Struggling with past and future regretMany believers struggle because they feel they did not repent properly in the past or lack what it takes to be a good Christian in the future.
What is sorrow according to God?While human sorrow focuses on things that make us sad, Godly sorrow is awakened when we realize what makes the Lord sad and grieves His heart.
The story of the alabaster jarThree gospels record the story of a woman breaking an expensive alabaster jar of perfume and pouring it on Jesus's head and feet.
Comparing Luke 7 and John 12A comparison between Luke chapter 7 and John chapter 12 reveals two distinct incidents involving two different women performing very similar acts.
Proving these are two different storiesContextual details, such as Lazarus being raised from the dead and Jews coming to comfort Mary, show that Mary was a respected Jewish lady rather than the immoral sinner of Luke 7.
The immoral woman's response to loveThe sinful woman knew she was a sinner and responded to Jesus's unique love with weeping, washing His feet with her tears, and receiving total forgiveness and peace.
Mary's choice and grief over unbeliefMary, known for sitting at Jesus's feet, initially harbored disappointment and unbelief when her brother Lazarus died, which deeply grieved the Lord.
Jesus wept over unbeliefJesus wept not just because Lazarus died, but because Mary still did not fully trust Him, revealing how our unbelief and hidden complaints grieve His heart.
A call to repent again and againJust as both the immoral woman and Mary needed to repent at Jesus's feet, all believers must embrace the precious opportunity to turn back to Him.
What Jesus said about their devotionJesus defended the women, noting that they did a good deed directly to Him, did what they could, and showed a devotion that would be remembered forever.
Moving forward into true growthBelievers should take every opportunity to turn to Christ, recognizing how unbelief grieves God and moving forward into a life of genuine spiritual growth.
