How do we know true repentance is different from false repentance?

True repentance is characterized by godly sorrow that leads to salvation, as opposed to the false repentance seen in figures like Cain, Esau, and Judas, who repented out of mere human remorse. These individuals felt regret for their actions but did not experience a genuine turning to God or hatred for their sin. In contrast, true repentance arises from the Spirit’s gracious work, prompting a heart that mourns for sin because of love for God and a desire for holiness. It includes a sincere confession of sin, self-loathing, and a longing to align one's life with God's glory.

This distinction is crucial within the context of sovereign grace, where the work of the Holy Spirit is paramount in leading believers to recognize their sinfulness and need for Christ's atoning sacrifice. Genuine repentance produces fruits in one's life that reflect a transformed heart, demonstrating a clear contrast to the barren outcomes of mere legalistic remorse that leads only to death.