Long-Form Repentance (Ezra 9, Nehemiah 9, Daniel 9)

Have we made repentance too easy?

We live in an instant world—instant coffee, instant messaging, instant everything. And somewhere in our convenience culture, we’ve tried to make repentance instant too. Just repeat after me. Quick prayer. Raised hand. Walk an aisle. Done.

But here's the thing—that’s not what we necessarily see in Scripture.

That’s not how people respond when they encounter the holiness of God and the weight of their sin.

Now someone might say, “What about the thief on the cross?” Good question. Yes, he was saved in his final moments—when he cried, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

But look closer. In those few breaths, he acknowledged his guilt—“we receive the due reward of our deeds” (Luke 23:41). He declared Christ's innocence—“this man hath done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:41). And he placed his faith in Christ's kingdom. That’s real repentance. Not rushed. Real.

It wasn’t about time. It was about the heart.

Some people have years and never truly repent. The thief had moments—and did. What I’m calling “long form repentance” isn’t about time on a clock. It’s about depth. Sincerity. Transformation.