In the well-known story of the prodigal son, we see a perfect example of the awakened sinner.

While the prodigal’s stomach was gnawing with hunger in the pigsty of the far country, “he came to himself.” He came to himself before he came to his father. This is the true nature of biblical repentance. Repentance is literally “a change of mind.” It is the judgment of my sin in the light of grace. It is an inward change in our relational attitude before God. The prodigal realized that back in his father’s house there was an abundance of food; there was goodness in his father’s house. It is “the goodness of God,” not the judgment of God, that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4). And so the young man, being awakened in his conscience as to where his behavior had led him, was now attracted to his father’s house.

The prodigal, having realized the hopelessness of his condition, and the abundance of his father’s house, “arose” and returned homeward. He prepared a confession which he would rehearse to his father when he got home: “I have sinned,” which was true; but the last clause was not. Becoming one of the hired servants was not in accordance with the greatness of his father’s heart.

As the prodigal drew closer to his father’s house, his apprehension increased. There was a work in his heart, but there was not yet full assurance. How true to the experience of believers at some point in their lives!

Trembling, we had hoped for mercy—

Some lone place within the door.

He received not a servant’s place, but that of sonship (Lk. 15:22)! May you know the peace of God and full assurance today!