True repentance is no light matter. It is a thorough change of heart about sin, a change showing itself in godly sorrow and humiliation - in heartfelt confession before the throne of grace - in a complete breaking off from sinful habits, and an abiding hatred of all sin. Such repentance is the inseparable companion of saving faith in Christ.
J. C. RyleExamine your own hearts. Do you see there any habit or custom which you know is wrong in the sight of God? If you do, don't delay for a moment in attacking it. Resolve at once to lay it aside. Nothing darkens the eyes of the mind so much, and deadens the conscience so surely, as an allowed sin. It may be a little one, but it is not any less dangerous.
J. C. RyleWhen a manโs heart is cold and unconcerned about religion โ when his hands are never employed in doing Godโs work โ when his feet are not familiar with Godโs ways โ when his tongue is seldom or never used in prayer and praise โ when his eyes are blind to the beauty of the kingdom of heaven โ when his mind is full of the world, and has no room for spiritual things โ when these marks are to be found in a man the word of the Bible is the right word to use about him, and that word is, โDead.โ
J. C. Ryle