The Grace of Repentance (Chapter 15, Paragraph 1)

“Such of the elect as are converted at riper years…”

This reminds us that not all conversions happen in childhood. God draws people to Himself at different stages in life, including mature years.

“…having sometime lived in the state of nature, and therein served divers lusts and pleasures…”

This describes our pre-conversion state—enslaved to sin and worldly desires (Eph. 2:1–3; Titus 3:3). True repentance begins with a clear-eyed view of our former bondage.

“…God in their effectual calling gives them repentance unto life.”

Repentance is a gift—not a human achievement (Acts 11:18). It is granted in the moment of effectual calling, when God draws sinners to Christ.

Application for the Believer:

Do not confuse repentance with self-improvement or guilt-driven effort. True repentance is a grace of God, not a human work. If you feel conviction of sin, do not suppress it. That sorrow is God’s kindness leading you to life (Rom. 2:4). Turn away from your sin—not merely outwardly, but inwardly—with hatred for offending a holy God and hope in the mercy found in Christ. Repentance is not just for conversion—it is the ongoing pattern of the Christian life. Each day, renew your mind, confess your sin, and cling to the cross, knowing that God gives repentance because He loves to restore.