Concerning Repentance

The pervasive and concerning spread of misinformation on Facebook has reached a new level of ignorance. One individual recently posted a false claim that repentance from sins is not a prerequisite for salvation; faith alone is sufficient. This assertion is not in line with biblical teachings.

To address this issue, let us examine the scriptures for guidance.

While I do not intend to name the individual responsible for this post, it is crucial for the Church to be vigilant against false teachings that may appear appealing but lack substance in the Kingdom.

The Apostles did not regard repentance as a mere dead work. Rather, they recognized repentance as an essential component of the Spirit’s work in guiding individuals towards salvation. Repentance and faith in Christ were intertwined elements of the divine process.

By referring to the scriptures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on repentance and its role in salvation.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The inaugural sermon enjoined repentance, yet did Jesus himself?

Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Luke 13 and

Luke 24:46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,
Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And you are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

What did Paul say?

Rom. 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

And Peter?

2 Pet. 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

And the writer of Hebrews?

Heb. 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Heb. 6:2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Heb. 6:3 And this we will do if God permits.

I do not subscribe to the notion of a ritual of repentance involving a labyrinthine journey through the Tabernacle. However, when we are in a relationship with God, as Father, Son, and Spirit, if we sin, we must confess our sins and seek cleansing. Furthermore, we must cease engaging in activities that lead to trouble.

Repentance alone is insufficient for salvation, nor is prayer alone sufficient. If a simple prayer of salvation were sufficient for salvation, we would have observed this in the early centuries of the Church. A prayer cannot be effective without genuine faith, which arises from sincere repentance. These two qualities are gifts of God, not earned through human efforts.

2 Cor. 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2 Tim. 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
2 Tim. 2:25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
2 Tim. 2:26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

The dead works mentioned in Hebrews refer to practices such as observing dietary regulations, ritualistic washings, and animal sacrifices that are unrelated to the Kingdom of God. These practices were part of the Law that ultimately led to death.

Sorrow is not a direct path to repentance, but rather a precursor to seeking the divine blessing of grace that leads to genuine repentance in Christ. This is a divine work, not a human endeavor. Unfortunately, many misunderstand this concept and attribute it to human will. This is erroneous. All that exists in Christ originates from the grace He acquired for us through His unwavering obedience, not for Himself. Through His sacrifice, He granted us the right to be called the Children of God.

Can someone truly come to Christ and keep His old life. No!!

John 12:25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

During my early walk, I encountered moments of struggle against my own will to surrender to Christ and embrace genuine repentance. It was only through my complete surrender to His divine Spirit that I was granted the grace to find true repentance and forgiveness.

Remember...

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

And remember this wonderful promise.

Prov. 1:23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

With utmost reverence, I submit myself to the divine wisdom and authority of the Lord and His word.

I extend my sincere wishes for peace in Christ. However, it is essential to recognize that genuine peace cannot be achieved through deception.