Repentance

What is the true meaning of "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Cor 7:10.? Is Godly sorrow for sin a requirement for salvation?

Repentance signifies that we are sorry for our sinful actions that we have done against God. We recognize that we have grieved Him by our wicked ways. When the Holy Spirit convicts us we realize the depth of our sin and see its ugliness in light of God’s holiness. This true sorrow for sin leads to a change of mind which is called repentance. Repentance in turn leads to salvation.

It is therefore appropriate to say that repentance is required for salvation. Godly sorrow results in repentance which opens the door for salvation. The godly sorrow which leads to repentance is a convicting work of the Spirit. In contrast to this is the sorrow of the world which produces death. This type of sorrow is a mere feeling of guilt that the devil can use to get us into a trap. This is what we see in the case of Judas Iscariot who ended up committing suicide because he betrayed the Lord (Acts 1:18). Whereas Peter wept bitterly after his denial (Mark 14:72) and this is an evidence of godly sorrow that leads to repentance.