Repentance vs Remorse
Genesis 3 records the low point of human history. Adam and Eve disobey God. When God walks in the garden they feel bad (remorse) but fail to repent, instead choosing to hide. When God confronts them they then try to avoid responsibility (Adam blames Eve, Eve blames the Serpent). This is a fairly natural response as most of us struggle to carry the guilt for the wrong we have done in life.
The bible contrasts these actions with those of Jesus. He came to earth and not only accepted responsibility for His own actions but for all of us as well. He took the punishment for all our accumulated wickedness (as he had none of his own).
Jesus offers salvation. We accept salvation by going further than just feeling sorry. We are called to acknowledge our responsibility for the wrongs we have done. Thank God for Jesus’ sacrifice in our place and commit to living differently in the future. True repentance means changing the way we live.
Stephen Semenchuk