Perhaps an understanding of what repentance is not would help us gain clarity on this 1st principle of the gospel.
Repentance is not:
- Suffering
- Punishment
- Confession
- Remorse
- Sorrow
These feelings may accompany repentance, but they are not repentance.
Quoting Elder Burton: “As a General Authority, I have prepared information for the First Presidency to use in considering applications to readmit repentant transgressors into the Church and to restore priesthood and temple blessings. Many times a Bishop will write, I feel he has suffered enough!” Elder Burton continues,
“But suffering is not repentance.”
“Suffering comes from lack of complete repentance.”
“A stake president will write, I feel he has been punished enough!” Elder Burton:
“But punishment is not repentance.”
“Punishment follows disobedience and precedes repentance.”
A husband will write, “My wife has confessed everything!”
“But confession is not repentance.”
“Confession IS an admission of guilt that occurs as repentance begins.”
A wife will write, “My husband is filled with remorse!”
“But remorse is not repentance.”
“Remorse and sorrow continue because a person has not yet fully repented.”
What is the reference for Elder Burton’s “talk?” Thanks.
Ensign, August 1988. The Meaning Of Repentance.