Repentance is NOT a Guarantee - Hebrews 11-13

 Hebrews 12:15-17 (ESV Strong's)

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

Repentance is NOT a Guarantee

We all struggle with forgiveness and bad choices we have made in life.   Esau, the brother of Jacob (who should be renamed, Israel and father the twelve tribes of the nation), was a man who made bad choices and needed forgiveness.   Out of his lust and laziness, he told his younger brother that he would “sell” his birthright for a pot of oatmeal.   The younger brother was destined to have the birthright, based upon God’s decree, but Esau wasted his status as first born but simply giving it away.   Later, he wanted to repent and wanted God’s forgiveness for such a bad choice.  He even, emotionally, sought it with tears.  But, God would have none of it.  Our forgiveness is completely dependent on God’s grace.  Notice what the author of Hebrews would say earlier in the book when warning the readers about slipping back into Judaism for their salvation:

Hebrews 6:1-3 (ESV Strong's)

1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

We only move forward in repentance if God interacts in our lives and intervenes for us.  Note how the author finishes this great book to the Hebrews:

Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV Strong's)

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

It is God who works in us to will and work His good pleasure:

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV Strong's)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Esau wanted repentance.  He sought it with tears.  He thought God would just give him His grace.  He thought wrong. Don’t wait to repentant!