Chapter 4: Of the Degrees of Repentance

Repentance has two degrees. It is either ordinary or extraordinary.

Ordinary repentance is that which every Christian is to perform every day; for as men fall daily either more or less, so the graces of God are proportionally weakened day by day. Therefore the continual reparation thereof must be made by a daily renewing of repentance. A Christian man is the temple and house of God's Spirit; he must therefore once a day sweep it, that it may be fit to entertain so worthy a guest.

Extraordinary repentance is the same in nature with the former; it differs only from it in degree and measure of grace.

And this is to be put in practice when men fall into any enormous, capital, or grievous offenses, by which they do very grievously wound their own consciences and give great offense to the Church. Of this sort was the repentance of Peter when he went forth and wept bitterly, and David's repentance after he had committed adultery and murdered Uriah.

Repentance has two degrees. It is either ordinary or extraordinary.

Ordinary repentance is what every Christian is to practice every day. Just as people fall more or less each day, so the graces of God are proportionally weakened day by day. These graces must be continually renewed through a daily practice of repentance. A Christian is the temple and house of God's Spirit, and therefore must sweep it out once a day so that it may be a fitting place for so worthy a guest.

Extraordinary repentance is the same in nature as ordinary repentance; it differs only in the degree and measure of grace required.

This kind of repentance is called for when people fall into serious, grave, or grievous offenses — sins that deeply wound their own consciences and cause great offense to the church. Peter's repentance, when he went out and wept bitterly, was of this kind. So was David's repentance after he had committed adultery and murdered Uriah.