ATTRITION OR REPENTANCE
ATTRITION OR REPENTANCE
Many believers confuse attrition with true repentance, leading to a shallow or incomplete response to sin. Understanding the distinction is crucial for a biblically grounded life of transformation.
ATTRITION
Definition of Attrition
Attrition is sorrow for sin that arises from fear of punishment or consequences rather than from a genuine sense of offense against the righteousness of YHWH (God). It is:
Self-centered: Motivated by fear of hell, guilt, shame, or loss of blessings.
Emotional: Based on feelings of regret or remorse without a changed will.
Temporary: Often fades when the fear or pressure subsides.
Not transformative: Does not necessarily produce a changed life or heart.
EXAMPLE:
A person who feels bad for lying because they got caught or fear divine judgment, not because lying offends the holiness of YHWH.
REPENTANCE
Definition of True Repentance (Metanoia)
The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, literally means a change of mind—but not just intellectual change. It involves a total turning:
God-centered: Motivated by a deep recognition that sin is an offense against the holiness and love of YHWH.
Volitional: Involves the will, resulting in a decision to turn from sin and pursue righteousness.
Lasting: Produces fruit in action (Luke 3:8 — “Bear fruits worthy of repentance”).
Transformative: Leads to obedience, humility, and sanctification.
EXAMPLE:
David’s repentance in Psalm 51. He says, “Against You, You only, have I sinned,” showing godly sorrow, not just fear of punishment.
KEY DIFFERENCES
ASPECT:
X Attrition
✓True Repentance (Metanoia)
MOTIVATION:
X Fear of punishment, guilt, or shame
✓ Grief over offending YHWH’s holiness
FOCUS:
X Self (avoid consequences) ✓ YHWH (restore relationship with Him)
DURATION:
X Temporary, emotional ✓Enduring, leads to transformation
RESULT:
X May return to sin when pressure fades
✓ Lifelong pursuit of righteousness
BIBLICAL INSIGHT
2 Corinthians 7:10 — “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Godly sorrow = true repentance.
Worldly sorrow = attrition.
Acts 3:19 — “Repent therefore and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Repentance involves both turning away from sin and turning toward YHWH.
CONCLUSION
Most mistakenly equate feeling bad with being right with YHWH. But true repentance is not about fear of hell—it is about love for YHWH and hatred for sin. A heart that has truly repented desires to walk in obedience, not merely escape punishment. Attrition may lead someone toward repentance, but it is not repentance itself. Only when sorrow for sin leads to a change of heart, direction, and loyalty does it reflect the biblical call to metanoia.