টীকা বর্তমানে শুধুমাত্র ইংরেজিতে উপলব্ধ। বাংলা অনুবাদ চলছে।
2 Corinthians 7 — Sorrow to Salvation, Not to Be Repented Of
Having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Paul recounts his anxiety in Macedonia — without were fightings, within were fears — until Titus arrived with news of the Corinthians' repentance. Though his severe letter made them sorry, he rejoices: their sorrow was godly sorrow, which worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; for the sorrow of the world worketh death. Their godly sorrow produced carefulness, clearing, indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, revenge. Paul is filled with comfort and exceeding joyful in all his tribulation.
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
— 2 Corinthians 7:10
- v.1 Perfecting holiness in the fear of God
- v.2-7 Comforted by the coming of Titus
- v.8-16 Godly sorrow and its fruits
Even an apostle could be cast down — fightings without, fears within (v. 5). Paul's transparency dignifies discouragement as a place God meets, not a sin to hide.
The comfort came by the most ordinary means: a friend arriving with good news. God's consolations usually wear human faces. Be someone's Titus.
Paul does not rejoice in their pain but in its destination. Sorrow is a vehicle, not a virtue — it matters only by what it carries the soul toward.
Sorrowed to repentance. Faithful wounds aim past the wound. The preacher who never makes hearers sorry may be sparing them the only road to joy.
Two sorrows, two destinations. Godly sorrow grieves over sin as against God, and moves toward Him; worldly sorrow grieves over consequences — loss, exposure, shame — and curdles into despair. Judas was sorry; Peter repented.
Not to be repented of. No one ever regretted true repentance. Of all the decisions a soul can make, this one alone carries a guarantee against remorse.
Seven fruits, seven yeas. True repentance is not a mood but a mobilization — earnestness, self-vindication through action, anger at the sin, fear of God, longing, zeal, and the setting of wrongs right.
The test of repentance is its produce. Where sorrow ends in feelings it is worldly; where it ends in changed conduct it is godly. Fruit, not tears, is the proof.
When conviction comes, ask which sorrow you are feeling: grief that you sinned against God, or grief that you were caught, embarrassed, or cost something? The first runs to God; the second runs from Him. Then apply the verse 11 test to your last repentance — did it mobilize carefulness, zeal, and restitution, or did it evaporate with the emotion?
Godly sorrow leads to a salvation not to be repented of because it leads to Christ, whose look melted Peter into weeping and restoration (Luke 22:61). Worldly sorrow without a Savior worked death in Judas; the same grief, carried to the cross, becomes life.
Promises are the fuel of purity. Having therefore these promises — the indwelling, the receiving, the fathering of 6:16-18 — let us cleanse ourselves. Grace motivates what law could only demand.
Flesh and spirit — defilement comes in both bodily and inward forms; pride and bitterness pollute as surely as sensuality. Holiness must be perfected in both chambers.