How many parts are there to the true repentance or conversion of man?

Two: The dying of the old self and the birth of the new.

What is the dying of the old self?

Sincere sorrow over our sins and more and more to hate them and to flee from them.

What is the birth of the new self?

Complete joy in God through Christ and a strong desire to live according to the will of God in all good works.

But what are good works?

Only those which are done out of true faith, in accordance with the law of God, and for His glory, and not those based on our own opinion or on the traditions of men.

I. Believers Must Turn from the Old to the New

A. Christianity inherently and unavoidably represents changed lives. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  (Romans 6:4-6)

B. The new life of the genuine believer demonstrates itself in new behavior.  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

C.  Leaving the old and coming to the new are not actually separable processes. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  (Ephesians 4:22-24)

II. Sincere Sorrow and Distress over Sin Characterize Genuine Repentance

A. Conflicting goals and methods produce different results. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  (Romans 8:13)

Getting muscular, becoming a cribbage champion, or learning a new language will not occur through neglect and inattention.

B. Sorrow over Sin C  rather than remorse over getting caught or losing an opportunity C  is a classical marker for new attitudes in a changing life.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  (2 Corinthians 7:10)

C. Compare your experience with David=s testimony.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  (Psalm 51:3)

D. Look to God, not your own untrustworthy conscience for consolation.  Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  (Psalm 51:8)

E. People who really want new life in Jesus are troubled by the old life without Him. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  (Psalm 51:17)

III. The New Birth Brings Passion for Jesus

A.  New believers find their peace in what Jesus has done. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  (Romans 5:1)

B. Those who are humble and contrite find that God is present to them refreshing and renewing them.   For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  (Isaiah 57:15)

C. The goals of Christ replace the former sinful goals.   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  (Galatians 2:20)

D. The atonement constantly reminds believers of the consequent transition in the lives as well as their status.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 6:10-11)

IV. Novelty Can=t Substitute for New Life

A. Some people confuse activity for progress.  For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  (Romans 14:20-23)

B. For something to be acceptable to God it must conform to what He says He wants.  And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  (1 Samuel 15:22)

C. Everything must focus on God.  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  (1 Corinthians 10:31)