What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What is the significance of repentance for spiritual growth and what are "times of refreshing"?"
Answer
Repentance is the decisive first step toward spiritual growth, as it involves a deeply felt remorse for sin and a turning away from it, leading to a renewal of the heart and life. This process of conversion enables the believer, through Christ’s grace, to lead a holy life and align character with God’s law. The “times of refreshing” refer to a future period of blessing associated with the final eradication of sin and the second coming of Jesus.
Repentance as a prerequisite for the remission of sin
»“Repent and turn to God, that your sins may be erased when the times of refreshing come from the face of the Lord.” Here he exhorts repentance and conversion (turning away from sin). For what purpose? “So that your sins (in the future) may be erased.” Anyone can see that the erasing of sins does not occur at repentance and conversion, but follows them and must necessarily be initiated by them.«
True repentance leads to a new life
»Repentance involves remorse over sin and a turning away from it. We will not renounce sin unless we recognize its sinful nature; as long as we do not turn away from it in our hearts, there will be no real change in life. ... It is the power that proceeds from Christ that leads to true repentance. ... We can do no repentance without the Spirit of Christ, who awakens the conscience, just as we cannot be forgiven without Christ.«
The significance for spiritual growth
»In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into conformity with His law. When this tremendous change has taken place in the sinner, he has moved from death to life, from sin to holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. ... Christ’s followers are to become like Him—forming characters through God’s grace that are in harmony with the principles of His holy law.«
Call to conversion in view of the refreshing
»God says: “If they turn to me, I will restore to them the joy of my salvation.” ... Let God’s people repent and turn to God, so that their sins may be erased when the times of refreshing come from the face of the Lord. Let them discover where they have failed to walk the path that God has marked.«
True repentance is manifested in deeds
»There is no proof of genuine repentance unless it produces reformation. If he returns the pledged item, restores what was stolen, confesses his sins and loves God and his fellow men, the sinner can be sure that he has found peace with God. These were the effects that followed in earlier years during periods of religious awakening.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
